Queen Letizia has witnessed a deeply symbolic and personal moment that has marked the day of July 16 in Marín. During a solemn ceremony at the Naval Military School, King Felipe broke protocol with his daughter, Princess Leonor, after bestowing upon her the Grand Cross of Naval Merit.
The gesture, spontaneous and full of meaning, left Letizia visibly moved, unable to hide the pride and tenderness on her face. Her reaction quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the day. What exactly did King Felipe do to break official protocol?
Princess Leonor receives the Grand Cross of Naval Merit in Marín
This Wednesday, the Naval School of Marín hosted an event that will go down in history in Princess Leonor's public career. King Felipe and Queen Letizia presided over the presentation of Royal Commissions to the new Navy officers. This is an event full of symbolism, as it also coincided with the feast of the Virgin of Carmen.
Princess Leonor concluded her time at the Naval Military School of Marín with an institutional event of great significance. The princess was one of the main protagonists of the day, marked by the presentation of Royal Commissions to the new officers.
The heir to the throne received the Grand Cross of Naval Merit with White Distinction from King Felipe VI. This distinction is reserved for those who show outstanding merit in the naval field. In addition, it represents a key step in her training as the future head of the Armed Forces.
The ceremony, presided over by the monarch and held on the feast of the Virgin of Carmen, proceeded with precision and solemnity. Infanta Sofía accompanied her parents at this emotionally charged event.
The meticulously prepared presentation ceremony was closely followed by those in attendance. The audience, made up of family members, authorities, and colleagues, witnessed a moment full of national and military symbolism.
Queen Letizia, deeply moved by the beautiful gesture Felipe had in Marín
When King Felipe finished placing the sash of the Grand Cross over Leonor's shoulders, the unexpected happened. The monarch broke protocol and hugged her. A sincere, warm, and proud gesture that captured everyone's attention at the Naval School.
This hug, outside the official script, was met with a spontaneous ovation from the audience and the military present. At that moment, the institutional event was transformed into a scene of strong emotional impact.
The king's gesture was interpreted by many as a sign of closeness and humanity within the monarchy. In such a solemn event, that moment of family connection made all the difference.
Queen Letizia, visibly moved, couldn't contain her reaction. From the box, she placed her hand over her chest while smiling tenderly, showing the deep pride she feels for her daughter.
Letizia's gestures did not go unnoticed. The queen, always measured in her public expressions, let her emotion flow in response to Felipe's spontaneity and Leonor's reaction. The queen has closely followed every stage of her daughter's military training, and she experienced this hug as the culmination of a demanding but deeply meaningful process.
With this gesture, King Felipe reinforced not only his role as a proud father, but also his absolute support for Leonor's preparation as future queen. Meanwhile, Letizia, as mother and queen, experienced it with restrained but genuine emotion.