In the final days of the outgoing year, Spain’s royal family opted for quiet and the comfort of home over loud parties and public events. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia once again chose to celebrate New Year’s within the familiar walls of the La Zarzuela Palace, gathering with their daughters — Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. The mood this time was purely family-oriented, free from excessive pomp and formal protocol.
The royals traditionally keep the details of their New Year’s Eve private, but it is known that the family has a few little rituals. For instance, before eating twelve grapes with the chimes at midnight, they enjoy watching a special holiday episode of a comedy show on television. This tradition brings the family together, allowing them to momentarily put aside state affairs and simply enjoy each other’s company.
A festive pause
In December, the King and Queen had almost no official engagements. King Felipe VI’s last public appearance was on December 17, when he presented credentials to the new state prosecutors. This event was significant not only for the monarch but also for Teresa Peramato, who took the stage for the first time as Spain’s Attorney General. After that, the King addressed the nation with his traditional Christmas message, emphasizing the importance of unity and civic responsibility.
On New Year’s Eve, the royal family surprised their followers: Felipe, Letizia, and their daughters made an unexpected visit to the theater to see the musical ‘Rent’. It was a rare occasion for the monarchs to appear in public outside official protocol, sparking a wave of discussion on social media. Shortly after, the royal family’s official Twitter and Instagram accounts congratulated Spaniards on the upcoming year 2026, wishing the country new hopes, opportunities, and successes founded on unity and responsibility.
Digital achievements
The royal family’s online presence has grown significantly in recent months. Their Instagram account, launched just a year and a half ago, has already gained over a million followers. As 2025 came to a close, the page featured a selection of photos showcasing the most memorable moments of the monarchs, their daughters, and Queen Sofía over the past year. Especially popular was a photo series with their younger daughter, Infanta Sofía, which set a new record for likes.
This interest in the royal family’s life shows that Spaniards closely follow every move of the monarchs, and both their public appearances and private moments resonate with a wide audience. It’s also evident that even small details related to family traditions or informal outings become topics of discussion in the media and across social networks.
Pascua Militar
The King and Queen have an important event ahead—on January 6, they will take part in the Pascua Militar, a traditional military ceremony held since the 18th century. This event marks the beginning of the monarchs’ official calendar for the year. On this day, representatives of all military branches, government members, and the country’s top leadership gather at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
This year, special attention is on Princess Leonor, who will attend the ceremony with her parents for the second year in a row. Before returning to her studies at the Air and Space Academy in San Javier, she will once again be in the spotlight. Infanta Sofía may also join her, as her classes at the college in Lisbon don’t begin until January 11. Now that Sofía is of age, her participation in official events is becoming more likely, even if she is not in uniform.
Family changes
In recent years, Spain’s royal family has shown increasing openness and a willingness to engage with society. Their public appearances have become less formal, and they share more personal moments on social media. This not only brings the royals closer to the people but also helps to build trust in the monarchy amid a shifting political landscape.
At the same time, despite their outwardly democratic image, the royal family continues to fiercely guard their privacy. It remains a mystery how they celebrate family occasions or what traditions they observe behind palace doors. Yet it is this blend of openness and intrigue that makes Spain’s monarchy so fascinating to the public.
In case you didn’t know, King Felipe VI has reigned since 2014, and his wife Letizia became Spain’s first-ever queen consort without aristocratic roots. Princess Leonor is the heir to the throne, while Infanta Sofía is the royal couple’s younger daughter. In recent years, the family has focused on modernizing the monarchy’s image, emphasizing transparency and closer ties with the people.
