There was an awkward moment during Spain’s Armed Forces Day this weekend, as the national flag fell mid-ceremony with King Felipe VI watching on.
Joined by his wife, Queen Letizia, 53, and daughter, Princess Leonor, 20, the King saluted as the national anthem blared out.
But he was forced to display remarkable composure as the Spanish flag fell to the ground in a remarkable mishap.
As the band performed, the national flag, which was being hoisted, suddenly tumbled to the ground, landing upon nearby military personnel.
Video footage circulating online captured the King’s momentary surprise as he watched the flag fall.
Despite the blunder, he was able to maintain his salute throughout.
According to The Olive Press, the incident occurred after a hook securing the flag to its pole broke.
There was an awkward moment on the Armed Forces Day this weekend
| GETTY
As the band performed, the Spanish national flag suddenly tumbled to the ground, landing upon nearby military personnel
| GETTY
King Charles and Queen Camilla recently suffered a similarly humiliating and awkward flag-related blunder during their state visit to the United States.
As the couple attended a wreath-laying tribute at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, a solemn and sombre ceremony, the Union Jack was inexplicably displayed upside down.
So, while King Felipe is not alone in flag-related gaffes, the remainder of the day did not go entirely smoothly, as adverse weather conditions also hampered proceedings.
Organisers were forced to abandon a planned parachute display, while portions of the scheduled aerial demonstration were similarly cancelled.
Strong gusts and heavy cloud cover made conditions unsuitable for the airborne elements of the celebration, according to Hola! magazine.
King Felipe VI followed the flag falling to the floor as he looked on in shock, but maintained his military salute
| X: BERTRANDMYD
The disruptions meant spectators in Vigo were unable to witness the full programme of military displays typically associated with Spain’s annual Armed Forces Day festivities.
Nevertheless, the ground-based ceremony and parade proceeded, with the royal family completing their official duties despite the various setbacks encountered during the event.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for Princess Leonor, who appeared in uniform for her first Armed Forces Day alongside her parents.
The heir to the throne enrolled at the General Military Academy in 2023, embarking upon her military education in preparation for her eventual role as supreme commander of Spain’s armed forces.
When she eventually ascends to the throne, Princess Leonor will become Spain’s first reigning queen since Isabella II, whose reign ended in 1868.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles previously described the Princess’s military training as “an essential step in the life of Her Royal Highness toward the leadership of our country”, as reported by CNN.
CRE:https://www.gbnews.com/royal/king-watches-on-spanish-flag-falls-military-ceremony
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