The Spanish Royal Family has attended Easter Mass today at the Cathedral-Basilica of Santa María de Palma de Mallorca in Palma on the island of Mallorca (or Majorca), Spain, this morning. Their Majesties King Felipe, Queen Letizia, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía and Their Royal Highnesses Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía were all in attendance for the service on the holiest day on the Christian calendar.
The family posed for photographers before entering the church to attend the service as has become a tradition. They were greeted by Bishop of Mallorca, Sebastià Taltavull Anglada upon their arrival, as well asmembers of the cathedral chapter and acolytes. Crowds had also gathered to see the royals arrive and depart from the service. The Spanish Royal Family greeted them as they left.
The Choir of the Escolanía and the Capella Jove de la Seu were involved in the service.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
The Spanish Royal Family typically spends their Easter holiday in Palma de Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic Islands. This past week was spring break in Spain, so the family spent the preceding week in the area while Leonor and Sofía were out of school.
Queen Sofía has been in town for several days with her sister, Princess Irene of Greece, who recently became a Spanish citizen. She normally arrives ahead of her son and his family and spends time with her younger sister. King Juan Carlos was reported to be on holiday in Saudi Arabia by Spain’s El País on 28 March. He arrived in the country to spend the Christian Holy Week on Tuesday, 27 March but returned in time to celebrate Easter with his family. This is the first time he has attended with them since his abdication.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
Queen Sofía is known to be quite fond of the island as it reminds her of her home country of Greece, but it has been reported to not be a favourite spot of Queen Letizia. This is, understandably, due to the family being followed by paparazzi while they are there on holidays.
The Royal Family leaves Mass. © Casa de S.M. el Rey
For the past four years since Felipe has been on the throne, he and his family have continued the tradition of the Easter service that his parents began years before; some were concerned that when he came to the throne, he would change this tradition.
