Princess Leonor of Spain joined her military classmates for the tradition Floral offering to the Virgin of Pilar in Zaragoza. The Princess of Asturias along with other 600 Knights and Lady Cadets travelled to the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar to present themselves before the Virgin.
The acts of presentation to Our Lady take place on a daily basis and involve, on the one hand, asking for her protection and, on the other hand, to recognize her importance as patron saint of Zaragoza and Aragon. The tradition has been part of the Zaragoza military academy for more than a century. The Holy Chapel of Our Lady of the Pilar is a Baroque temple built by Ventura Rodríguez between 1750 and 1765.
Princess Leonor arrived at the Cathedral-Baslic of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza in a bus with her class mates and from their the Knights and Lady cadets formed a group of 200 for parade. Each group has two Knights offering the floral tribute to the Virgin of Pilar and a Lady cadet offering the prayer. The Archbishop of Zaragoza, received the groups at the alter and then each knight and Lady cadet one by one paid their respect at the Alter.
After the service, the groups walked back to their bus while hundreds of people were lining the street to watch the parade and have a glimpse of The Princess of Asturias who made her first public appearance in her military uniform. The venue, Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza, was abuzz with anticipation, as family reunions filled the atmosphere with joy and excitement.
Despite the buzz surrounding her presence and the accompanying security measures due to the throngs of spectators and media, Princess Leonor mingled effortlessly with her peers, sharing laughter and engaging in lighthearted banter. The young cadets, cognizant of the spotlight on their royal companion, embraced the moment with humor and grace, playfully engaging with the camera crews.
Princess Leonor of Spain joined the Military Academy of Zaragoza in August this year and since then have already cleared the basic training and received the sabre in a traditional ceremony last month.
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Tomorrow is another big milestone for Lady Cadet Borbón Ortiz at the Military Academy. Princess Leonor will attend the Flag presentation ceremony in the presence of her parents, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. The event is considered a formal entry to the Spanish Military. On October 31st, the Princess of Asturias will be turning 18, and CasaReal has revealed few of the plans to mark the 18th birthday of Princess Leonor.
