“Leonor, remember that the commitment you have undertaken brings with it the greatest responsibility for Spain. As the Crown Princess, you know full well that the crown symbolizes her unity and stability. I know that the solemn oath before this flag and the affection for this land of Zaragoza and Aragon that welcomes you will be among your fondest memories. I know that you will always remember that it is your responsibility to serve Spain, in all circumstances and at all times, with all energy and true passion.” With these words the King addressed his daughter Leonor during the swearing-in ceremony, which took place this morning at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza (General Meeting).
Dressed in a historic army uniform, with the traditional roses and equipped with an old Mauser rifle, the Princess of Asturias was the first to kiss the flag that Queen María Cristina had embroidered in 1886 under the watchful eye of her parents, the kings. him with a smile and she was visibly excited. This is the first year after the pandemic that the national flag will be kissed again, as until last year it was greeted with a bow of the head.
Earlier, the director of the academy, General Manuel Pérez López, swore in the 410 cadets of the first course. “Do you swear or promise upon your conscience and your honor to faithfully discharge your military obligations, to uphold the Constitution as the basic norm of the state and to ensure that you obey and respect the King and your leaders and never abandon them?” “If necessary, to sacrifice your life in defense of Spain?” To which everyone answered in unison: “Yes, we do.” The traditional answer was “Yes, I swear”, but in recent years it has changed and concludes loudly military sources also include those who promise it.
The cadets then marched in formation of three with their heads uncovered under an arch of flag and saber, symbolizing the country accepting the oath of the future officers.
Princess Leonor paraded with her classmates on the parade ground of the Zaragoza Military Academy this Saturday. Samuel Sanchez
Princess Leonor during the parade with her classmates on the parade ground of the Zaragoza Military Academy this Saturday. Samuel Sanchez
King Felipe VI gave a speech this Saturday during his daughter’s flag-swearing ceremony at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza. Javier Cebollada (EFE)
Princess Leonor after kissing the flag this Saturday at the Military Academy of Zaragoza. VINCENT WEST (Portal)
King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Defense Minister Margarita Robles (right) during the flag swearing ceremony for Princess Leonor at the Military Academy of Zaragoza this Saturday. VINCENT WEST (AFP)
Princess Leonor was the first to kiss the flag that Queen María Cristina had embroidered in 1886. Samuel Sanchez
The Princess of Asturias, Leonor de Borbón, performs a parade before swearing in the flag. Samuel Sanchez
King Felipe VI leads the official ceremony at which the Princess of Asturias (center) swears the flag. Samuel Sanchez
The Princess of Asturias, Leonor de Borbón, led a parade before swearing in the flag along with the rest of the cadets of her course in a ceremony this Saturday at the Military Academy of Zaragoza. Javier Cebollada (EFE)
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia upon their arrival at the parade ground of the General Military Academy of Zaragoza.Samuel Sanchez
The Princess of Asturias (third from left) with other cadets from her course, shortly before swearing in the flag this Saturday at the Military Academy of Zaragoza. Samuel Sanchez
The parade ground of the Zaragoza Military Academy was decorated with pastries with the corps’ emblems and the army’s weapons to welcome the 2,500 people who attended the cadets’ flag-swearing ceremony. VINCENT WEST (Portal)
The academy’s parade ground was decorated with pastries bearing the Corps’ emblems and Army weapons to welcome the 2,500 people who attended the ceremony, including soldiers and families of cadets. The event was presided over by the King and Queen, accompanied by the Minister of Defense Margarita Robles, the President of Aragon Jorge Azcón, the Mayor of Zaragoza Natalia Chueca and the Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Teodoro López Calderón. among other authorities. The director of the academy thanked the king for his return to La General, as the educational center is called, not only as commander in chief of the armed forces – a position that Leonor de Borbón will assume when she ascends to the throne – but also as father one of the cadet ladies who swore the flag.
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Felipe VI, wearing the uniform of a Captain General of the Army, recalled when he himself swore the flag here 38 years ago, and expressed his excitement and pride at leading the oath of his first-born daughter. Addressing all cadets, he reminded them that “there is no greater obligation to fulfill” than that which they had just acquired, since “it implies a personal, moral and legal duty that has no expiration date.” An obligation towards Spain and all Spaniards, he stressed, “with our Constitution, with the values and principles of the norm that guarantees our democratic coexistence and is the maximum expression of our Union.”
The king explained that the flag they had just kissed was a symbol “that unites all Spaniards,” representing “a nation built with the effort of generations and generations.” “A heritage of immense value, centuries of shared history, full of challenges, hopes and sacrifices of millions of people,” he added.
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The monarch highlighted the values of honor, camaraderie, loyalty, discipline and dedication enshrined in the academy, but added that “integrity along with honesty and probity […] Are [también] “Major virtues in the military as well as in public service for the Spanish people and are an essential guide of behavior and attitudes.”
Felipe VI concluded with “Thank you for wanting to serve in this way,” paraphrasing the sonnet recited in honor of the fallen, before shouting, “Long live Spain!” – followed by a “Long live the king!” from the director of the Academy – which echoed throughout the courtyard and was chanted by the audience.
At the subsequent reception with soldiers and family, the King reiterated his pride and enthusiasm in presiding over the event, adding to his daughter: “There is still a lot ahead of us, but considering how you have spent this first month, “We have no future.” I doubt that you will get through this well.” Felipe VI. has referred to her as “Cadet Borbón Ortiz,” the name written on the cookie on her uniform. Military sources have explained that it was the princess who requested that her mother’s surname be included as well, and not just her father’s, even though there is apparently no other Bourbon in the academy.
The Queen in particular also took the floor, which is not usual at these events, in order to “share it with all the families and mothers”. [de las damas y caballeros cadetes] on this important day.” Ms. Letizia thanked the work of the academy staff, from the director, teachers and managers to those responsible for maintenance, cleaning or kitchen. “Thank you for taking care of our young people and accompanying them on this educational path,” he said.
After taking the oath of allegiance, Leonor de Borbón wrote a message in the General Assembly’s Book of Honor indicating that this will be a day that she will “always remember for its deep and special meaning” and that “the rest of life . ” The heir to the throne was “very grateful” to her teachers, managers and colleagues. “They are role models and guides, they are values that I accept with humility and that I will honor with my best spirit. With my love,” concludes his handwritten text, posted by King’s House on his X account (formerly Twitter) has been published.
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