King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia Preside Over National Day Parade in Madrid: 4,380 Troops March
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia presided over Spain's National Day celebrations in Madrid on October 12, with the solemn tribute to the national flag and the military parade held at Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo. Princess Leonor, heir to the throne, attended in the gala uniform of the Army, and Infanta Sofía accompanied the family.
A total of 4,380 members of the Armed Forces and state security forces marched in the parade, which ran from Atocha toward Plaza de Colón, with 144 vehicles, 286 horses and an air parade of 82 aircraft. This year's edition gave a public debut to the Army's new 8x8 Dragón armoured vehicles.
After the parade, the Royal Family hosted the traditional reception at the Royal Palace. The day, Spain's Fiesta Nacional, commemorates October 12, 1492, and is the country's most important institutional celebration.
The 2026 edition carried an unusual political backdrop: Spain is in the middle of an election campaign, five weeks ahead of the November 29 vote, and the King used the National Day message of unity issued by the Royal Household to appeal for cohesion above party disputes. (Source: Household of H.M. the King, Spain)
Source: Household of H.M. the King, Spain
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：马德里国庆阅兵（资料图）。Wikimedia Commons 开放授权。 / Photo: National Day military parade in Madrid (file photo). Wikimedia Commons, open license.
