The Princess of Asturias marked another milestone over the weekend: attending her first Pascua Militar alongside her parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
The traditional military event—which translates to ‘Military Easter’ in English—marks the solemn beginning of the military’s new year and is attended annually by the King and Queen.
It coincides with the Epiphany—traditionally celebrated on 6 January—which was the date that the town of Mahón was recovered from the English during the reign of Carlos III in 1782.
The Pascua Militar begins at the Plaza de la Almudena, where members of the Spanish Armed Forces present their weapons, complete a salute, and march in a formation inspected by the King.
Two separate receptions were then held: for members of the National Heritage and Military Fourth; and for commissioned military personnel across all branches of the services.
In the Throne Room, King Felipe gave a speech were he spoke of the trials of 2023 but the strength of the Spanish military, and said that those serving have the “sincere and deep affection of the Crown towards those of you who are part of the Armed Forces, the Civil Guard and the National Intelligence Center, because, by offering a life of sacrificial and selfless service to others, you are a good reflection of the nobility of the Spanish people.”
The King also spoke of his personal pride in having Princess Leonor join him and the Queen for the first time, noting that the Pascua Militar “happily coincides with the fact that for the first time the Princess of Asturias accompanies us; who, as a Lady Cadet of the General Military Academy, has started her military training plan this year.”
Princess Leonor is currently in her first of three years of military study, attending the General Military Academy in Zaragoza for a one-year course within the Spanish Army.
She will also do one-year stints with the Naval Military Academy and the General Air Academy and graduate with ranks in all three branches of the Spanish military.
