Madrid welcomed October 12 under its famous blue sky, only slightly veiled by clouds as if reserved for the most solemn occasions. The stands on Paseo de la Castellana were once again filled with people in uniform and restrained greetings. The parade in honor of Spain’s National Day proceeded in its usual order, accompanied by the roar of jets from the ‘Patrulla Águila’. The media paid special attention to the reunion of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, attending the event together for the first time in five years. However, beyond the royal protocol, one figure quietly drew the public’s gaze and later became the focus of widespread interest in the halls of the Royal Palace during the traditional reception. This was Teresa Urquijo, wife of Madrid’s mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida.
Her public appearance was more than just participation in an official event. It marked her first major outing since the birth of her son Lucas in July of this year, signaling the start of a new phase in her personal and public life. In just a year, Teresa experienced three pivotal events: her wedding, the birth of her first child, and his baptism — developments that have undoubtedly changed her status and public perception.
For the reception with the king and queen at the Royal Palace, Teresa Urquijo chose an outfit that subtly defied traditional norms. She wore an embroidered kimono in an Asian style with golden tones over a classic burgundy midi dress, perfectly suited for the autumn season. She completed her ensemble with heeled shoes, a raffia handbag, and a simple hairstyle — her hair pulled back in a ponytail, aptly matching the formality of the event. The choice of fabrics, color palette, and cultural references gave her look a distinctive nuance, setting her apart from other guests from the capital’s political and social circles.
Since her marriage to the mayor, held on April 6 at the Church of the Sacred Heart and Saint Francis Borgia, interest in Teresa Urquijo has steadily grown. That ceremony, which brought together members of the royal family, aristocrats, and prominent business figures, was more than just a wedding; it was a display of a new level of representation. Aware of public expectations, the couple opted for restraint and loyalty to tradition. Since then, Teresa has consistently maintained this style: modesty, quality, and refined classicism.
The Day of the Spanish Nation carries deep historical significance, giving special meaning to the presence of every guest. Since 1892, when Queen Maria Christina signed the decree establishing this holiday in memory of the discovery of America, the day has had a dual purpose: to honor the Armed Forces and affirm the monarchy as a symbol of the state. In recent years, with the active participation of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, the event has taken on a new, generational tone, reflecting the idea of renewal. It is precisely in this context that the figure of Teresa Urquijo fits perfectly—a young, educated woman with aristocratic roots, representing a modern version of traditional Spanish elegance.
The granddaughter of Teresa de Borbón y Borbón, cousin of King Juan Carlos, and connected to one of the country’s most noble families, Teresa blends her heritage with a demeanor attuned to the spirit of the times. The past summer marked a turning point in her personal story. After the birth of her son Lucas on July 3 and his christening at the family estate—where just a year earlier she had celebrated her wedding—Teresa and Almeida appear to have firmly established their own space, balancing public life with privacy. Perhaps it is this delicate balance, so difficult to maintain while being at the center of Madrid’s political and social scene, that holds the key to her growing popularity.
