Today, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain attended the annual National Day Parade at the Armory Square of the Royal Palace of Madrid. They were joined by their daughters Princess of Asturias, Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Usually, the annual day parade is held at the Plaza de Lima in Madrid but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event was held at the Palace this year.
Also known as the National Day, the Hispanic day is a public holiday in Spain, on which the King of Spain supervises the raising of the Spanish national flag in the centre of Madrid Plaza de Lima and then lead a military parade after that accompanying by Prime Minister. This year both the flag raising and a small parade was held without any public audience at the Palace. The theme of 2020 was “The effort that unites us”, in reference to the fight against the pandemic and in recognition of all those who have fought and continue working hard to flatten the curve.
The commemoration of the National Festival aims to solemnly recall moments of collective history that are part of the common historical, cultural and social heritage, assumed as such by the vast majority of citizens. According to Law 18/1987, dated October 7, which establishes the day of the National Day of Spain on October 12, symbolizes the historical event in which Spain, on the verge of concluding a process of construction of the State from of our cultural and political plurality, and the integration of the Kingdoms of Spain into a single Monarchy, begins a period of linguistic and cultural projection beyond European limits.
At the Armory Square, The Royal family was received by the Spanish Prime Minister, Members of his cabinet and Madrid Mayor.
This year only units located in Madrid have participated, with the exception of La Legión which, on the occasion of its centenary, has had a special role. 527 troops participated in the military parade, with a Music Unit and eight sections corresponding to the Royal Guard, the Central Defense Academy, the Regiment “Immemorial del Rey” nº1, the Marine Infantry Group, the Honor Squad of the Air Force, the Military Unit of Emergencies, the Civil Guard Reserve and Security Group, and La Legión.
Paying a tribute to the COVID-19 fighters, members of civil organizations have also been present, such as the National Police Corps, the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies, the SUMA, ERICAM, the CAM Forest Agents Corps, SAMUR, the Madrid Municipal Police and the Fire Department, both from the City Council and the Community of Madrid were present at the annual event.
After the parade, King Felipe awarded decorations for their participation in Operation Balmis to members of the Central Defense Hospital, the Air Force, the Land Army, the Navy, the Military Emergency Unit, and the Royal Guard.
Outside the palace, a socially distanced short audience was held with the members of the armed forces and authorities.
For the day, Queen Letizia of Spain brought back another elegant style from her wardrobe. She was wearing red Felipe Varela Japanese Twin Ties Coat.
We first saw the coat in April 2017 during the Japanese State visit. Letizia again wore the coat in November 2017 during Mexico visit.
Queen again brought back the outfit in January 2018 at the Act of the imposition of the Necklace of the famous Order of the Golden Fleece to Princess Leonor.
The coat came with a burgundy velvet sleeveless dress. We saw the dress for the first time during the Mexico visit in 2017.
Today, Letizia paired the outfit with Queen Sofia’s Aldao Joyeros white gold, diamond and Ruby Cabochon Earrings.
Queen wore her Lodi ‘Sara’ ombre patent pumps.
Letizia was carrying her Felipe Varela suede clutch.
Her Karen Hallam ring finished the look.
A look back at Queen Letizia’s last three appearances.
