While all of Spain watched the grand military parade celebrating National Day, with King Felipe VI, his wife, and daughters receiving the procession, another branch of the royal family chose to spend the day differently. The king’s sister, Infanta Elena, along with her daughter Victoria Federica, opted for the lively atmosphere of Madrid’s famous Las Ventas bullring over official ceremonies. Their appearance at the morning charity festival became an event in its own right, drawing as much media attention as the main national celebration.
Mother and daughter arrived at the event together, showcasing their close bond and exchanging secrets in hushed tones before entering the arena. However, once seated, they joined separate groups of friends. Despite offering smiles to the assembled reporters, both ladies refrained from making any statements. Journalists received no answers to questions about whether they had seen the royal couple before the parade, and Victoria Federica tactfully ignored inquiries about the details of her recent breakup with her boyfriend.
There was a certain harmony in their choice of outfits: both opted for similar styles of trousers. While Victoria Federica’s look was more restrained, Doña Elena clearly highlighted the significance of the day with her appearance. Her red jacket and woven bag featuring the Spanish flag served as a bright patriotic touch. The festival, dedicated to the memory of the legendary matador Antonio Chenel “Antoñete”, brought together stars of the past in the arena, including Enrique Ponce and Curro Vázquez. One of the toreros, Frascuelo, even dedicated his performance and bull to the Infanta seated in the stands.
Doña Elena’s devotion to the world of tauromachia has long been well known, and this day served as further proof of that. Her passion was so great that she didn’t stop at just the morning event—she returned to Las Ventas in the evening to witness the triumph of another famous matador. This love for the corrida, inherited from her father, honorary King Juan Carlos, has also been passed on to her children. Victoria Federica, for example, was recently the face of an advertising campaign for the prestigious Madrid fair San Isidro, and her brother Froilán is also a frequent guest at such events.
The family’s close ties to this aspect of Spanish culture are evident on a regular basis. Several months ago, Doña Elena, together with both her children, attended a charity bullfight, with proceeds going to support victims of a natural disaster. At that time, many noted how warmly and affectionately Victoria Federica interacted with her brother, who had flown in especially from Abu Dhabi, where he currently lives.
