- The Spanish Royal Family concluded their Three Kings' Day celebrations with a mix of official duties and private family time.
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, alongside their daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, began the day by presiding over the traditional Military Easter (Pascua Militar) in Madrid.
- This annual event is a key fixture in the royal calendar, honoring the armed forces.
- Following the official proceedings, the family maintained a cherished personal tradition.
Quick Summary
The Spanish Royal Family marked the Three Kings' holiday with a combination of official ceremony and private tradition. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, accompanied by their daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, presided over the Military Easter (Pascua Militar) in Madrid. This annual event honors the country's armed forces and serves as a key engagement on the royal calendar.
Following their official duties, the family observed a personal tradition. They traveled to the Madrid residence of Jesus Ortiz, the Queen's father, for a private family meal. The visit centered on the customary sharing of the Roscon de Reyes, a traditional pastry eaten on Three Kings' Day. The day's schedule demonstrated the family's commitment to both their constitutional roles and their personal family customs.
Official Commemoration at the Royal Palace
The day began with the traditional Military Easter ceremony at the Royal Palace of Madrid. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia presided over the event, which is held annually to show appreciation for the Spanish Armed Forces. The ceremony represents a significant moment of unity between the Crown and the military.
Their Majesties were joined by their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, marking their presence at this important state function. The appearance of the entire royal family underscores the importance placed on this tradition. The event serves as a public display of the monarchy's role as Commander-in-Chief.
A Private Family Tradition
After concluding their official agenda, the royal family shifted focus to a private celebration. They traveled to the home of Jesus Ortiz, the father of Queen Letizia, to continue the festivities. This visit has become a cherished tradition for the family on Three Kings' Day.
The centerpiece of the private gathering was the sharing of the Roscon de Reyes. This ring-shaped cake, typically decorated with candied fruits and cream, is a staple of the holiday in Spain. Eating the Roscon at the home of the Queen's father has become a consistent and meaningful ritual for the family.
The Significance of the Day
The events of the day highlighted the dual nature of the monarchy's responsibilities. The morning was dedicated to the state and its institutions, specifically the military. The afternoon was reserved for family and the preservation of cultural traditions.
This balance is a defining characteristic of the Spanish Royal Family's public life. The schedule allowed for a formal, public-facing role followed immediately by an intimate, private celebration. The participation of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía in both events reinforces their integration into both royal duties and family life.
Conclusion
The Three Kings' Day celebrations for the Spanish Royal Family successfully blended official duty with personal tradition. The day began with the formal Military Easter at the Royal Palace, a testament to the monarchy's role in the nation's life. It concluded with a private family meal at the home of Jesus Ortiz, centered on the beloved tradition of the Roscon de Reyes.
This sequence of events demonstrates the family's adherence to both their constitutional obligations and their personal values. The participation of the entire family, from the King to the youngest princess, in these distinct yet complementary activities, provides a complete picture of their life as both a public institution and a private family unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Spanish Royal Family celebrate Three Kings' Day?
They began the day by presiding over the Military Easter in Madrid and later visited the Queen's father, Jesus Ortiz, to share the traditional Roscon de Reyes.
Who attended the Three Kings' Day celebration?
King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía were all present for the official and private events.
