Back to work with a bang! Queen Letizia of Spain wows at a military ceremony in a figure-skimming gown as she returns to royal duties after the festive break
- King and Queen were at traditional celebration of the Pascua Militar in Madrid
- Is long-standing tradition for the Spanish military, dating back to 1782
- Queen, 44, looked ethereal in a figure-skimming, floor-length blue gown
After a festive break, Queen Letizia, who is one of Europe's hardest-working royals, returned to work on Friday as she undertook her first engagement of the New Year.
Looking ethereal in a figure-skimming, floor-length blue gown with embroidery, Letizia, 44, appeared relaxed at the traditional celebration of the Pascua Militar in Madrid.
Queen Letizia wore her hair in a plaited low chignon for the event, which is a long-standing tradition for the Spanish military, dating back to 1782.
Queen Letizia of Spain, 44, looked ethereal at a military ceremony in Madrid in a figure-skimming gown as she returned to royal duties after the festive break
As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, her husband Felipe, 48, donned his full military regalia for the event; the third that he has attended as king.
It is tradition that the attending Queen wears a long dress and Letizia didn't veer from the dress code with her outfit.
The parade, which was combined with a reception at the Palacio Real, was held to mark Epiphany - a national holiday in Spain.
Considered almost as important as Christmas Day itself, Epiphany marks the moment when baby Jesus, at just a few days old, was seen for the first time by the Magi or Three Kings.
As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, her husband Felipe, 48, donned his full military regalia for the event; the third that he has attended as king
The parade, which was combined with a reception at the Palacio Real, was held to mark Epiphany - a national holiday in Spain
Known in Spain as El Día de los Reyes (Day of the Kings), it is celebrated with presents and colourful parades, the oldest of which takes place in Valencia.
The biggest and most important, however, is Madrid's - thanks in no small part to the presence of a real king at the procession.
Letizia's last public engagement was on December 19, when she attended a meeting in Madrid.
Queen Letizia wore her hair in a plaited low chignon for the event, which is a long-standing tradition for the Spanish military
The 44-year-old Spanish royal looked perfect in plum as she accompanied Santander chairman, Ana Patricia Botin, to a meeting at the Foundation Against Drug Addiction (FADS) headquarters in Madrid.
Wearing one of her staples - a Hugo Boss skirt suit - Letizia added a colourful tweed top into the mix.
Her Majesty became the honorary president of FAD in September last year, taking on the role from Queen Sofia who served as patron for nearly 30 years.
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