King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Princess of Asturias participated in the traditional Pascua militar this January 6, the first public and military engagement of the year. For Princess Leonor, it was also her last engagement before boarding the Juan Sebastián de Elcano on Saturday, which will take her around the world during the next five months of her training at the Navy.
Read also: Princess Leonor’s five-month sea voyage, from Cadiz to New York: everything you need to know about life on board and what awaits the heir to the Spanish throne
Princess Leonor in Navy uniform for Pascua militar 2025
Pascua militar or military Easter results from the capture of Minorca, one of the four Balearic islands, during the American War of Independence. The capture of Minorca, which pitted British troops against Spanish and French forces, resulted in the defeat of the British in 1782, facing the 52 ships of the Franco-Spanish coalition and the Spanish marine infantry forces. Charles III, King of Spain, wanted to reward all those who contributed to victory on January 6, Epiphany Day.
On January 6, King Felipe VI traditionally makes his first engagement of the year by attending the Pascua militar. He is usually accompanied by Queen Letizia. Last year, for the first time, the Princess of Asturias was also able to take an active part in the ceremony, since she began her military training. She then wore her gala cadet uniform from the General Academy of Zaragoza. This Monday, Princess Leonor participated for the second time in this event and this time she wore her naval guard uniform from the Naval School.
Read also: Princess Leonor in Navy gala uniform for the first time on the occasion of Hispanic Day
The last days of the Princess of Asturias before her training cruise
Another tradition, Queen Letizia’s outfits are a real topic of discussion. Before 2011, Queen Letizia, still wife of the Prince of Asturias, had gotten into the habit of wearing the same bronze bustier signed Lorenzo Caprile to attend the Pascua militar. From 2011, she started another tradition by choosing to always wear a blue outfit, often made by Felipe Valera. Since 2022, Queen Letizia has worn outfits of different colors and no longer imposes her own uniform.
Read also: Princess Leonor presents to her cousin Pedro before attending the Naval Academy together
Princess Leonor made her last engagement of the year here before experiencing her great adventure at sea. On Saturday, the royal couple will travel to Cádiz to say goodbye to their eldest daughter. The Princess of Asturias will board the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano, as Felipe and Juan Carlos did in their time, during their military training. This five-month cruise will not be easy. It is part of the program provided within the Naval School that Leonor joined at the start of the academic year. Last year, Leonor followed her training within the Land component. This adventure at sea will conclude her year of training in the Navy and next academic year, she will complete her military training within the Air component.
When King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Princess of Asturias arrived at the Plaza de la Almudena, they were greeted by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez. They then entered the Plaza de la Armería where they were welcomed by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles Fernández, and the various senior representatives of the army. After hearing the anthems and reviewing the troops, they returned to the Palace. Twenty-one cannon shots were also fired.
After the outdoor ceremony, a reception is organized at the royal palace. The royal family greets each guest one by one, then everyone gathers in the Throne Room, where King Felipe gives a speech and presents awards. The Minister of Defense also gave a speech. King Felipe began his speech by addressing his daughter, taking advantage of this event highlighting the army to talk about his next training at sea which will begin this Saturday. “The sea is an infinite learning experience, so we wish you, dear Leonor, that you and your comrades make the most of the knowledge and experience that this voyage offers you; because it will be true for you, as it has been for me, all my life.”
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
