King Felipe VI's Decade of Service, Commitment, and Duty
Madrid witnessed a grand celebration to mark the tenth anniversary of King Felipe VI's proclamation. The festivities began with a solemn flag-raising ceremony at the Jardines del Descubrimiento in Plaza Colon, attended by the highest judicial offices of the State. Units from the three armies and the Civil Guard were reviewed in a magnificent display. The Royal Family, including Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofia, arrived at the Royal Palace to a 21-gun salute and the Spanish national anthem.
The Royal Family's Role in the Celebrations
King Felipe VI emphasized the themes of 'service, commitment, and duty' in his speech, reflecting on his decade-long reign. He highlighted his efforts to restore the Crown's prestige, which had been marred by scandals involving his father, King Emeritus Juan Carlos I. The celebrations continued within the Royal Palace, where the King and Queen awarded the Order of Civil Merit to 19 citizens representing Spain's 17 regions and two autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla. The King reiterated the importance of acting with coherence and integrity.
Acknowledgments and Future Prospects
King Felipe VI also acknowledged the significant contributions of Queen Letizia over the past decade. He praised her dedication and sensitivity towards the needs of the most vulnerable. The Royal Family's daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, also expressed their gratitude in an unscheduled speech, thanking their parents for teaching them the values of the Crown. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo extended their best wishes to the King, praising his exemplary character and loyalty.
The day concluded with a series of events, including a tour of the Royal Collections Gallery by Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, a free concert by the Royal Guard, and a projection of images from King Felipe VI's reign on the façade of the Royal Palace. The celebrations will continue with an exhibition titled 'Felipe VI 2014-2024: A Decade of History of the Crown of Spain,' showcasing significant moments from the King's reign.
- The solemn flag-raising ceremony in Madrid marked the beginning of the celebrations for King Felipe VI's tenth anniversary on the throne. The event was attended by the highest judicial offices of the State and featured units from the three armies and the Civil Guard.
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, along with their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, arrived at the Royal Palace to a 21-gun salute and the Spanish national anthem. The King emphasized 'service, commitment, and duty' as the pillars of his reign.
- The celebrations included the awarding of the Order of Civil Merit to 19 citizens, representing Spain's 17 regions and two autonomous cities. King Felipe VI praised Queen Letizia's contributions and acknowledged the support of their daughters.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo extended their congratulations to King Felipe VI, praising his exemplary character and loyalty.
- The day concluded with a tour of the Royal Collections Gallery, a free concert by the Royal Guard, and a projection of images from King Felipe VI's reign. An exhibition titled 'Felipe VI 2014-2024: A Decade of History of the Crown of Spain' will continue the celebrations.
