King Felipe and Queen Letizia have stepped out for Spain's National Day for 2026 – and it's already a glamorous affair.
The Spanish royal couple was joined by their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, who both travelled home for the occasion to observe the military parade in Madrid after arriving in the Royal Household's traditional Rolls-Royce.
National Day brings together the highest authorities of the State each year and pays tribute to the Armed Forces.
Pleasant weather in the capital drew large crowds lining the Paseo del Prado and the Paseo de Recoletos, where the parade route ran, ending in the Plaza de Colón.
The Royal Household also wished to congratulate all Spaniards on National Day with a heartfelt message: "Today we celebrate all that we share and that unites us as a country, and we recognize the dedication and service of those who work every day for Spain. Happy National Day!"
See the best photos from the day below…
1/8
© AFP via Getty ImagesThe royal family arrives
The national anthem played in the presence of the King and Queen, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, and other dignitaries.
King Felipe VI wore the uniform of the Air Force, while Princess Leonor wore that of the Army.
Both wore the Order of the Golden Fleece. After the anthem, the King inspected the battalion. Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía then greeted the guests, officially beginning the ceremony.
2/8
© Getty ImagesQueen Letizia is pretty in pink
Queen Letizia looked so glamorous in a pastel pink flared dress with three-quarter-length sleeves from Spanish brand The 2nd Skin Co, paired with chocolate kitten heels.
The 54-year-old European monarch added a black clutch bag and left her darker brown locks loose with a light wave.
Letizia chose one of the most meaningful brooches from the royal family's collection, a large grey pearl surrounded by a halo of diamonds.
It once belonged to Queen Victoria Eugenia and is used exclusively by Spain's Queens.
She previously wore it during National Day in 2017, following the Catalan independence referendum.
3/8
© Getty ImagesPrincess Leonor's army uniform
Monday marked Princess Leonor's first parade after completing three years of military training at the Army, Navy, and Air Force academies. In September, the 20-year-old royal started her studies at the Carlos III University.
She wore the same army uniform she wore in 2013, when she first participated in this celebration as a cadet at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza.
4/8
© Getty ImagesInfanta Sofia in bold red
Infanta Sofia, 19, looked stunning in a bold red power suit with gold buttons from Tommy Hilfiger, a nod to the colours of Spain's Flag.
The double-breasted design is fittingly from the brand's "Sofia" capsule collection, designed by Sofia Richie Grainge.
Infanta Sofía has traveled from Paris, where she is in her second year at Forward College, to join the Royal Family at the National Day parade.
With her studies, it has been rare to see the family come together as a four.
5/8
© Getty ImagesKing Felipe helps Princess Leonor adjust her tie
The Princess had a minor mishap with one of the brooches on her tie, which she had to readjust.
The heir to the throne's Order of the Golden Fleece insignia fell off, but after asking permission, she picked it up and put it in her pocket.
6/8
© Getty ImagesFather-daughter moment
Luckily, King Felipe came to the rescue, and they shared a sweet father-daughter moment and a giggle as they straightened her tie once more once they were in the royal box.
Later on, Leonor was seen holding onto her father's arm as they watched the parade.
7/8
© AFP via Getty ImagesKing Felipe leads the ceremonial salutes
King Felipe was seen leading the salutes.
Those present heard ceremonial gun salutes, 21 cannon shots to the tune of the national anthem, which announced the start of the commemorative events at 11 am.
The Royal Guard and the Royal Tribune welcomed the royal family to the parade.
8/8
© WireImageHistoric trip
This year's event takes place the day before a historic trip for the King and Queen, who will visit Ceuta and Melilla on 13 and 14 October, respectively.
This trip is of particular institutional significance, placing the autonomous cities at the forefront of the Crown's agenda and adding special interest to Monday's celebrations.
In addition to this historic visit, the King and Queen have invited representatives of civil society from both cities to the reception following the parade at the Royal Palace.
