the 5 anecdotes that mark National Day

historic day this October 12, 2024. One more year, the Columbus Day It was celebrated between big – and unexpected – events. THE heavy rain that fell on Madrid did not prevent the celebration of the National Day parade this Saturday, even if its duration has been shortened.

The citizens, braving the bad weather, came to Prado promenadeeven if they were not able to take advantage of the passing planes or the parachute jump. The parade was chaired by the kings Philip VI (56 years old) and Letizia (52), accompanied by Princess Eleonore (18 years old), dressed in the uniform of aspiring from the Naval Academy.

In all, 4.092 members of the Armed Forces -of them, 473 women, 166 motorized vehicles and 210 horses- traveled in the rain 1.540 meters which separate the Charles V Squarein Atocha, where the parade began, and in the Plaza de Colón, its end point.

Once the military parade was over, the royal family moved to the Royal Palace for the traditional reception to high state authorities and representatives of the political, economic, social and cultural world. It was an intense day during which bad weather was the protagonist. And also the anecdotes. SPANISH reviews the most important ones.

1. The decline of Léonor

After the lifting of national flaga tribute to those who gave their lives for Spain was celebrated, as is the tradition every year. At one point, the King and Princess of Asturias came down from the stands to lay down the traditional laurel wreath tribute to fallen soldiers.

At some point along the way, Felipe VI corrected Leonorfor for a moment the heir to the throne walks almost at the same height as the king, when the protoloco indicates that Leonor should walk several steps behind her father. Felipe, with a very slight gesture, indicated his error and The princess made amends instantlyshowing great maturity.

2. Tension in the stands

There was a moment in this historic day when the incessant rain intensified with particular intensity in the royal gallery, soakingEven the uniform of King Felipe VI. The rain has become quite downpour in Madrid, so much so that those present were barely able to enjoy the parade.

Just when the land paradethey lived, for a few seconds, moments of tension who forced Letizia and the rest of the authorities to leave their posts for a few minutes and sheltered from the storm.

3. Felipe VI’s concern

When the rain was most severe, when about half of the units had already marched, it was possible to see how the king spoke with Pedro Sanchez (52), the Minister of Defense, Marguerite Robles (67) and the Jemad –Chief of Defense Staff– to evaluate between themselves the possibility of interrupting the military parade, even if it was ultimately decided to continue it.

4. The message of the uniform

This October 12, Leonor de Borbón published the Navy uniform. In fact, from his outfit, a revealing detail was extracted about the progress of his military training.

On the left sleeve of his uniform he wore what is called simple knotwhich is granted to students who have not been subject to disciplinary sanctions and stood out for their excellent grades both in academic subjects and in maneuvers. In other words, a distinction for the most advantaged students.

5. The grand gesture of the hand kiss

A few 1.300 guests They attended the traditional reception on the occasion of the National Day which, chaired by the Kings and the Princess of Asturias, began on Saturday around 1:30 p.m. at the Royal Palace.

After the military parade organized in pouring rain, the royal family went to the Royal Palace, where The King took off his military clothingbut the princess, as a midshipman at the Naval Military School of Marín (Pontevedra), continued to wear the Navy uniform.

The reception began with greetings in the Throne Roomwhere they went, for about an hour and a half, the the highest representatives of state powersmembers of the Government, presidents of Autonomous Communities and regional parliaments, political parties with parliamentary representation.

At one point, the Kings and their daughter Leonor they broke protocol. Similarly to last year, on October 12, 2023, the monarchs and their daughter organized a friendly –and empathetic– moment with one of the guests, illustrated Miguel Herrero and Rodríguez de Miñón (84)one of parents of the Constitution.

Their mobility problems They prevented him, as in 2023, from reaching the kings of Spain and the princess with the same speed as the others. At this moment, the king decided to break protocolleave your site and approach to Herrero and Rodríguez de Miñón to shake their hands. Letizia and Leonor followed him with their gestures.