King Felipe & Queen Letizia Celebrate New Year's Military Parade At The Royal Palace — See Photos
Starting 2022 off right! King Felipe VI of Spain and his wife, Queen Letizia, were spotted at their first event on Thursday, January 6.
The two attended the New Year's Military Parade at the Royal Palace alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Margarita Robles and Fernando Grande-Marlaska.
Scroll through the gallery below to see the photos!
The King, who sported a green outfit, posed alongside his wife, who looked regal in a blue dress and black jacket.
"The Kings were received, after their arrival at the Plaza de la Almudena, by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, then they entered the Plaza de la Armería of the Royal Palace of Madrid and received the greeting of the Minister of Defense, Mar-garita Robles Fernández; the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grane-Marlaska Gómez; the Chief of Defense Staff, Teodoro Esteban López Calderón; and by the head of the Military Room of the House of H.M. the King, Emilio J. Gracia Cirujeda," a caption read of the day. "Then the military events began with Honors, interpretation of the national anthem and 21-gun salute. His Majesty the King reviewed, accompanied by the Chief of the Defense Staff, the Chief of the Military Quarter and the Colonel Chief of the Royal Guard, in command of the formation."
The message continued, "After [that part] was finished, Their Majesties the Kings, accompanied by the authorities who received them, left the Plaza de la Armería towards the Zaguán de Embajadores, where they were greeted by the staff of the National Heritage and the Military Quarter."
"Don Felipe and Doña Letizia took their place in the Throne Room and the commissions representing the Central Defense Body and the Defense Staff agreed; of the Royal and Military Orders of San Fernando and San Hermenegildo; of the Army; of the Navy; of the Air Force; of the Civil Guard; and the Royal Brotherhood of Veterans of the Armed Forces and the Civil Guard," a caption read. "After this greeting to the representations, His Majesty the King imposed decorations on different members of the military commissions and the intervention of the Minister of Defense took place."
The two bundled up as they walked outside.
In his speech, the King touched upon “the 10th anniversary of the end of the brutal violence of the terrorist group ETA."
"I want to honor with great emotion the memory and dignity of the victims of terrorism. Many of them belonged to the FAS and the FyCS. We send their families a message of encouragement and admiration. His strength and moral stature serve as a guide for all Spaniards," he stated. "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 they have once again felt very close to you, 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 sacrifices."
