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Spain

King Felipe oversees one of his first major ceremonies since Spain’s lockdown ended

In a sign of normality returning to Spain, King Felipe VI presided over a police swearing-in ceremony in Madrid Tuesday, reminding the officers of the “immense commitment” they are making to society amidst the pandemic.

His Majesty gave a speech to 365 new police officers from the XXXIV promotion of the Basic Scale of the National Police, telling them that “today is a day to convey to you from the heart the gratitude of a society that admires you for your work, for what you have done and for what you do day by day to guarantee our safety and our coexistence.”

The King was present to oversee the swearing of office and delivery of professional titles to the officers at Canillas Police Complex, but because of the current health and security criteria in Spain due to the pandemic, the ceremony was carried out simultaneously at two other locations.

The police officers who received professional titles in these three locations have carried out their practices in the Community of Madrid.

Photo © CASA DE SM EL REY 

King Felipe praised the new police officers for their work during difficult times, stating: “The reality that we have had to live gives us the opportunity to highlight, once again, the high principles and values ​​that the National Police treasures, of which I have been a witness for a long time, and which has been shown again in recent months by helping with professionalism and special dedication to all Spaniards.”

He commended the officers for their dedication, saying how “even before you have sworn or promised the position, you have rendered a great service to your country and setting an example for future promotions.”

The King also remembered the eleven officers who sadly lost their lives to COVID-19 in his speech.

During the ceremony, His Majesty received the baton of the National Police Corps from the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, and following the national anthem, the King reviewed the formation of honours.

According to Casa Real, the new police officers from the XXXIV promotion are part of what is the largest in the history of the Basic Scale of the National Police, made up of 3,178 officers.

About author

Kristin was Chief Reporter for Royal Central until 2022 and has been following the British royal family for more than 30 years. Kristin has appeared in UK and U.S. media outlets discussing the British royals including BBC Breakfast, BBC World News, Sky News, the Associated Press, TIME, The Washington Post, and many others.