Queen Sofia of Spain travelled to San Fernando in Cadiz on Friday to sponsor the delivery of a flag to the Marine Infantry Force.
The Queen Emeritus, mother of King Felipe VI, attended the ceremony in the central Plaza del Rey, where large crowds gathered to see her present the banner donated by the local town hall.
For the military engagement, Queen Sofia chose an outfit by Spanish designer Alejandro de Miguel, wearing a structured midnight blue brocade jacket woven with subtle gold highlights.
The garment featured a high funnel neck, a button front, and a delicate floral pattern with shimmering metallic threads. She paired the tailored jacket with matching navy blue trousers cut in a straight, slightly relaxed leg.
Naval brooch and bespoke tailoring
Her ensemble included a specific tribute to the Spanish Navy in the form of a gold anchor brooch pinned to the jacket. The accessory served as a nod to the armed services on a day focused on naval heritage.
Alejandro de Miguel is one of the Queen Emeritus's regular couturiers, known for dressing Spanish royalty and public figures for major state occasions. The designer previously created a navy blue and lavender suit worn by Queen Sofia upon her arrival in Oviedo, as well as pieces for her institutional wardrobe.
The appearance follows an earlier international trip to Armenia, where Queen Sofia surprised royal fashion watchers by stepping away from formal monochrome tailoring in favour of a patterned blouse and a checked jacket.
Military flag ceremony in San Fernando
The presentation ceremony took place in the atrium of the San Fernando City Hall, overlooking the town's main square. The banner was officially presented to the Marine Infantry Force as a gift from the San Fernando Town Hall to honour the deep historical ties between the Cadiz municipality and the Spanish Armada.
A large military formation stood on parade before marching through the streets of the city centre. The Spanish Marine Infantry, an elite naval branch dating back to the sixteenth century, maintains a historic garrison and operational base in San Fernando.
Spectators greeted the former queen with prolonged applause and cheers throughout the ceremony. Queen Sofia waved to the gathered crowd from the official dais and paused to acknowledge members of the public.
After the formal military proceedings concluded, Queen Sofia walked over to the crowd barriers to shake hands and speak directly with local residents before departing the city.
