Synchronized with his oath of Leonor, in the Armory Courtyard of the Royal Palace, the Honors group of the Royal Guard was in formation. The band performed the National Anthem, while the 19 gunshots of the ordinance were heard in its brief version. That is, the cannon shots of military honors that correspond to the Princess for her title. A tribute that took place on the large esplanade next to the Almudena Cathedral.
Medals for the Princess
The second part of the session in Cortes arrived. The presidents of the Congress and Senate, Francina Armengol y Pedro Rollan, they have imposed on the Princess of Asturias the medals of each of the chambers, the lower and the upper. Two sterling silver medals, decorated with fine gold plating. Afterwards, the heiress inaugurated the second edition of the Congress’ Book of Honor with her signature.
Don Felipe, Mrs. Letizia, Leonor y Sofia have been completed again by the authorities in the Lost Steps Room, among them, the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchezthe former presidents of the Government Felipe Gonzalez, José María Aznar, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero y Mariano Rajoy, whom we have seen chatting for several minutes in the Chamber. They have occupied adjacent seats. They have been the center of focus of the graphics in the minutes prior to the session. Upon his arrival we saw Zapatero give a cold greeting to González and Aznar. Afterwards, they relaxed. Behind them was Rajoy, sitting next to José Luis Martínez-Almeida, mayor of Madrid. Of all those absent, the most notable was Juan Carlos I. Also Doña Sofía, who was not invited.
The vice presidents of the acting coalition government have attended Nadia Calvinoof Economic Affairs; Yolanda Diaz, from Labor and leader of Sumar; and Teresa Ribera, from Ecological Transition. Also the ministers Jose Manuel AlbaresForeign Affairs; Pillar Wolfof Justice; Maria Jesus Monterofrom the Treasury; Fernando Grande-Marlaskaindoor; Felix Bolañosof the Presidency; Raquel Sánchez, Transport; y Pilar AlegríaEducation, among others.
There have been absences (already announced): Irene Montero, of Equality; and Ione Belarra, of Social Rights, ministers of Unidas Podemos, who have refused to attend. Yes, Joan Subirats, Minister of Universities, has presented himself. Days ago, Sumar gave academic freedom to each of his deputies so that whoever wanted to attend. This is what they have done.
We have also seen Alberto Núñez-Feijóo, Cuca Gamarra, president and general secretary of the PP, in their cramped chairs in the chamber. And Santiago Abascal, president of Vox, who took selfies before starting the session.
More absences already advanced: the representatives of ERC, Junts, EH Bildu, PNV and BNG, allies of the PSOE to form the Government. As for regional presidents, they have all attended, except Pere Aragonés, from Catalonia; and Íñigo Urkullu, Basque president. The Madrid Isabel Diaz Ayuso, which follows trends closely, has opted for blue. Blue has been the color of the day, in tribute to the Principality of Asturias. The blue of Mrs. Letizia and the blue of Francina Armengol.
Near the former presidents were Esperanza Aguirre, Federico Trillo y Jesus Posada. Very protagonists, Miquel Roca y Miguel Herrero de Miñón, fathers of the Constitution. We have also seen Luis García Montero y al father angel.
Together with our press gallery, 20 young people from Leonor’s generation to bring her figure closer to the new centennial times.