This Saturday, the king praised the military for its “defense of the framework of coexistence democratically chosen by the Spanish people” when it adopted the constitution 45 years ago. “During this almost half a century, the Armed Forces have fulfilled their mission to help ensure the necessary security conditions so that we Spaniards can enjoy our rights and freedoms,” he said in his military Easter speech, the tenth he has given since he was elected ascended the throne.
Felipe VI recalled that on October 31, when the Princess of Asturias came of age, she swore the Constitution before the Cortes Generales, thereby “recognizing the Crown's commitment to this path and to all the values, principles and rights that it has since established, renewed”. They determine the lives of all Spaniards.”
The heir to the throne was the center of attention at the most important military event of the year, which she attended for the first time. With her hair pinned up and the uniform of an army cadet, Leonor de Borbón wears the Golden Fleece and the necklace of the Order of Carlos III. with a light blue ribbon, the two awards her father gave her in 2018 and in October. Kissing the hand before the speeches, the heiress greeted the military commanders with the words: “At your service!”
Felipe VI, who wore the uniform of a captain general of the navy to avoid matching that of the Princess of Asturias' army, expressed the “enormous pride” that both he and the queen have felt since their first wedding. Born on October 7th, he swore the flag of Spain and became part of the “large military family”. “We know that despite the great demands it entails, it has received an excellent reception and we thank you very much for that,” he said to the uniformed men. “The camaraderie, the nobility and the loyalty” of the military, he added, are the best incentive for military training, which will take the heiress to the Naval School of Marín (Pontevedra) after completing her studies in June at the General Military Academy of Zaragoza ), first; and later to the Air Academy in San Javier (Murcia).
Princess Leonor, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, this Saturday at the Royal Palace, during the military Easter celebrations. Borja Sanchez-trillo (EFE)
King Felipe VI shakes hands with a member of the Navy during the reception this Saturday at the Royal Palace. Borja Sanchez-trillo (EFE)
King Felipe VI during his speech at the reception at the Royal Palace, this Saturday at the Royal Palace. Borja Sanchez-trillo (EFE)
Princess Leonor with Queen Letizia during the reception this Saturday at the Royal Palace on the occasion of the military Easter. Zipi Aragon (EFE)
Princess Leonor, Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI. during the reception this Saturday at the Royal Palace on the occasion of the military Easter. Zipi Aragon (EFE)
King Felipe VI and Princess Leonor arrive at the royal palace on the occasion of the military Easter. Alejandro Martínez Vélez (Europa Press)
Princess Leonor, Queen Letizia, the President of the Government Pedro Sánchez, the Minister of Defense Margarita Robles and the Minister of the Interior Fernando Grande-Marlaska this Saturday in the Plaza de la Armería of the Royal Palace during the ceremony of the military Easter this Saturday. Borja Sanchez-Trillo (EFE)
Princess Leonor with King Felipe VI, this Saturday in the Plaza de la Armería of the Royal Palace during the military Easter ceremony. ZIPI ARAGON (EFE)
Princess Leonor, King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, the Minister of the Interior, Fernando Grandes-Marlaska, and the Chief of Defense Staff (Jemad), Admiral Teodoro López Calderón, this Saturday. ZIPI ARAGON (EFE)
King Felipe VI checks the Royal Guard this Saturday after arriving at the Plaza de la Armería of the Royal Palace during the military Easter ceremony. ZIPI ARAGON EFE (EFE)
The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, in her previous speech also referred to the military training of Leonor de Borbón, highlighting her “undeniable commitment and efforts” and recalling that in the future she will be called upon to exercise the supreme command of the Wehrmacht, as his Father is exercising it now. “As parents, you can be satisfied with the work that the Princess of Asturias is doing at the Military Academy of Zaragoza, as her teachers and colleagues convey to us,” he told the royals.
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The monarch has stressed that “the armies and the Civil Guard must constantly evolve to anticipate the needs that may arise from the international strategic landscape, without, however, ceasing to respect impeccably national traditions and customs and to play a fundamental role in the “To preserve the national traditions and customs.” historical identity of Spain,” he added.
He also mentioned in particular “the 3,000 men and women who are deployed in the 17 missions abroad and who, with their commitment and willingness to sacrifice, not only contribute to the creation of a more stable and secure world, but also become role models for the values” of Spanish society and “Spain's commitment to international peace and security.” However, he made only a passing mention of the war in Ukraine, which was the subject of his speech last year, as he recalled his visit to the hospital in Zaragoza, where 90 Ukrainians were wounded in battle Soldiers were treated as a “remarkable example” of Spain’s efforts to “support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.” And he made no mention of the Gaza war, which he has not mentioned since he did so at the Princess of Asturias awards ceremony in Oviedo on October 20, when he lamented the “heartbreaking suffering” caused by the conflict became.
The one who did this was the Defense Minister, who was blunt in her speech. “We condemn and will condemn the violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza and strongly call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire,” he said. He also referred to the Spanish soldiers stationed in the south of Lebanon between the Israeli army and the pro-Iranian Hezbollah militia, highlighting their proximity to the local population and the “very high efficiency and professionalism” they carry out a mission “with so much risk”. .
At a time when Western countries' support for Ukraine is faltering, Robles assured that Spain would continue to support Kiev's right to self-defense against the “unjustified and cruel” Russian invasion, which is still two years away. He promised that the deployment of military equipment and humanitarian aid would continue, as would the training of Ukrainian soldiers, 3,000 of whom have already passed through the Toledo training center.
Robles is proud of the important investments in defense approved by the left-wing government, which has committed to reaching 2% of military spending by 2029, and assured that the increase in his ministry's budget is aimed at “strengthening peace and security “ serve; Create a significant number of jobs, rely on the innovation of advanced technical skills, and give a strong boost to the national industry. “We will continue like this in 2024,” he added.
Next, he assured that 18 new military programs will be approved later this year, with particular attention to cybersecurity and space, and that the increase in investments in defense will serve to “improve the living and working conditions” of members of the armed forces . “They are our best asset,” he acknowledged, although he did not specify whether this would lead to an increase in their salaries to bring them in line with state security forces.
At a time when Queen Letizia, who was present at the event, is the subject of attacks from a part of public opinion linked to the extreme right, the Minister of Defense wanted to wink at her and inserted a sentence of thanks in her speech: “Very .” especially to Her Majesty the Queen for her daily commitment and willingness to serve.”
For the first time, the 200 guests at the Military Easter – Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the defense and interior ministers as well as commanders of the Armed Forces, the Civil Guard and the National Intelligence Center – watched the speeches sitting instead of standing. The throne room was filled with chairs and the royal family decided to bring the press outside, who had to watch the event on a screen.
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