King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain presided over the traditional celebration of Military Easter at the Royal Palace of Madrid, a ceremony deeply rooted in Spanish military life. The ceremony was held at the Plaza de la Almudena of the Palace.
Military Easter is an annual tradition and the first royal event of the Spanish Calendar. The origin of the Military Easter dates back to the reign of Carlos III, when, on January 6, 1782, the Menorcan town of Mahón was recovered, which was under English rule at that time. As an expression of joy, Carlos III ordered the viceroys, captains general, governors, and military commanders to gather the garrisons on the feast of the Epiphany and notify the chiefs and officers of the armies of their congratulations on his behalf. “
Upon arrival, the Royal couple was welcomed by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez. The military act began with Honours, interpretation of the national anthem, and a 21-gun salute.
Then King Felipe VI, accompanied by the Chief of the Defence Staff, the Chief of the Military Quarter, and the Colonel Chief of the Royal Guard, in command of the formation, reviewed the troops.
The parade at the Plaza ended with a meeting with the staff of the National Heritage and the Military Quarter followed by the traditional Throne room reception at the Royal Palace of Zarzuela.
Felipe presented the medals to the different members of the military commissions and addressed the gathering, “ I want to express to you the pride of Spanish society towards the Military Institution. It is undoubtedly the best reward and implies appreciation and gratitude towards your work and your values. In many situations experienced this year, Spaniards also have felt very close to you again, sharing their same care, assisting with personnel and means to overcome times of emergency or great need. I know that you are moved by the honor of serving Spain and our citizens and that by fulfilling your responsibility you do not skimp efforts or sacrifice”
The ceremony concluded with a brief meeting with the authorities and assistants for a few minutes in the Column Hall of the Royal Palace.
A video of the day.
Moving towards the first Queen Letizia Style of the year – Queen Letizia wore a new blue gown that still remains unidentified. The shirt-style gown features a long vee-neckline, with small buttons at the front and belted waistline.
Letizia paired the gown with her black Felipe Varela jacket that she has had in her wardrobe for some time now and new blue suede platform pumps from Magrit
The Queen was wearing her Bulgari hoops and
Karen Hallam ring and topped the outfit with a large pearl brooch surrounded by diamonds that is part of Joyas de Pasar.
Next, we will see Letizia on Wednesday at the working meeting of the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases (FEDER). I will leave you with a look back at Queen Letizia’s appearance in 2021.
