Spain royals lead National Day parade in Madrid
Spain's royal family of four turned Madrid's biggest autumn ceremony into a family outing on 12 October 2026.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were joined by their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, for the National Day military parade in the capital. Spain's official royal agenda lists the occasion as the 'Celebración del Día de la Fiesta Nacional' Casa Real.
The parade marched along the Paseo del Prado and Paseo de Recoletos before ending at Plaza de Colón Hello! Magazine. The scale was huge. It involved 4,380 troops and 82 aircraft, with Dragon armoured vehicles in the ground column Euronews.
Felipe took the salute in an Air Force uniform. Leonor stood alongside in an Army uniform. Both wore the Order of the Golden Fleece, Spain's highest order of chivalry, reserved for exceptional service to the country.
For Leonor, this one was personal. The October parade was her first since completing three years of military training across the Army, Navy and Air Force academies. She started studies at Carlos III University in September.
Letizia chose a pastel pink flared dress by Spanish label The 2nd Skin Co. Sofia wore a red double-breasted suit with gold buttons from Tommy Hilfiger.
They were not alone on the stand. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Defence Minister Margarita Robles attended the ceremony alongside the King and Queen.
What makes this stand out for fans is the symmetry. Two parents in step. Two daughters side by side. And a young officer back in Madrid in uniform, weeks into student life.
