The Spanish National Day celebration is one of the few occasions each year when the entire Bourbon-Ortiz family gathers together. Time and again, they demonstrate flawless unity as a team. On the grandstand erected at Madrid’s Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, the royal couple and their daughters watched the military parade. This year, the temporary structure appeared sturdier than last year’s, when the queen had to seek shelter from heavy rain. Perhaps the wider roof obstructed the view of the air display, sparking a viral online moment: King Felipe asked Leonor whether she had managed to see anything, to which the princess honestly replied she had not.
And there was plenty to see. In 2025, the new aerobatic team “Mirlo” made its debut in the sky, replacing the renowned “Patrulla Águila.” Notably, its lineup included Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, the very model on which the heir to the throne is currently undergoing flight training. Recently, the monarch himself mentioned that his elder daughter now feels confident in the cockpit of these planes. The family’s coordination was impeccable—there were no noticeable slips or breaches of etiquette. The King and the Princess of Asturias embodied the continuity of the crown, while the Queen and the Infanta provided support, creating a harmonious image. Letizia, known for her attention to detail, managed to smooth the creases on her husband’s uniform even while seated.
There was a special warmth in the interaction between the sisters. Throughout the event, they exchanged glances and quiet remarks. It was clear that everyone was making an effort to support the younger daughter, Infanta Sofía, for whom public engagements are still somewhat stressful. Leonor stayed close, encouraging her sister. Thanks to this family support, the young woman showed no sign of fatigue or tension; she appeared relaxed and confident.
Infanta Sofía’s outfit sparked much discussion. She likely chooses her own clothes for such occasions, prioritizing personal comfort over strict adherence to fashion trends. Once she starts to trust stylists more, the criticism will likely subside. But despite the debates about her polka dot dress and black cover-up, her genuine smile, which never left her face as she greeted guests, won everyone over.
After the parade, a reception was held at the Royal Palace, where the monarchs and their daughters were to greet around 1,300 people. This marathon of handshakes was not intended for lengthy conversations, but there were two exceptions that caught the media’s attention. Queen Letizia broke the strict protocol for a warm exchange with the recent Cervantes Prize winner, writer Álvaro Pombo. The family spent several minutes with him, and later the queen specifically sought him out in the hall to continue their conversation. Another prominent figure was Juan de Dios Ramírez-Heredia, politician and activist. He did not limit himself to a formal greeting but exchanged a few words with each family member, and then asked photographers to capture the moment, rightly noting that it was unusual for a Roma of such stature to attend the reception.
