Spain – Solemn Opening of the Cortes Generales, Spain’s Legislature

by Susan Flantzer
© Unofficial Royalty 2024

The Palacio de las Cortes in Madrid, Spain decorated for the Solemn Opening of the Cortes Generales; Credit – Wikipedia

The Solemn Opening of the Cortes Generales, the legislature of Spain, occurs approximately two weeks after the investiture of the Prime Minister of Spain, after the holding of general elections and the formation of a new government. It takes place at the Palacio de las Cortes in Madrid Spain, the meeting place in the chamber of the Congress of Deputies, the lower house of the Cortes Generales, the Spanish legislature. The newly elected members of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate of Spain, the upper house, are summoned to attend. Also attending are the members of the Constitutional Court of Spain and the General Council of the Judiciary, regional presidents, the Presidents of the legislative assemblies of the Autonomous Communities, and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

The Spanish Monarch, wearing the Gold Medal of the Senate and the Gold Medal of the Congress of Deputies, his or her spouse, and members of the Spanish royal family attend the Solemn Opening of the Cortes Generales. They are accompanied to the Palacio de las Cortes by the Royal Escort Squadron, the cavalry unit of the Spanish Royal Guard.

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Infanta Leonor, The Princess of Asturias (heir presumptive to the throne), King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stand during the National Anthem as they arrive for the Solemn Opening of the Cortes Generales on November 29, 2023, in Madrid, Spain

The official ceremony begins with the welcoming of the Spanish Monarch, his or her spouse, and members of the Spanish royal family by the Prime Minister and the Chief of the Defense Staff. The national anthem is played and the Spanish Monarch receives military honors and reviews the troops.

The Spanish monarch and his/her spouse and members of the Spanish royal family approach the steps of the Palacio de las Cortes where they are greeted by the Speakers of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate and other legislative officials. After entering the Palacio de las Cortes through the Puerta de los Leones (Doors of the Lions), used on only solemn occasions, the royal party and the government officials make their way to the Chamber of Congress of the Deputies.

All stand during the playing of the national anthem. In the middle, left to right are King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their elder daughter Infanta Leonor, The Princess of Asturias, the heir presumptive to the throne of Spain; Credit – Spanish Royal House

After the Spanish monarch, his/her spouse, royal family members, and those accompanying them arrive in the Chamber of Congress of the Deputies, the national anthem is played. The President of the Congress of Deputies gives a speech.

King Felipe VI giving his speech at the 2023 Solemn Opening of the Cortes Generales; Credit – Wikipedia

Next, the Spanish monarch gives his/her speech and then declares that the Cortes Generales is open. Finally, official photos are taken with the Spanish monarch and government leader, and guests are greeted. Outside the Palacio de las Cortes, a military parade caps off the day’s events.

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Works Cited

  • Casa Real pide la apertura solemne de las Cortes antes del 6-D para blindar el Día de la Constitución. (2023). Vozpópuli. https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/casa-real-apertura-cortes.html
  • Edificio en Madrid, sede del Congreso de los Diputados. (2005). Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palacio_de_las_Cortes
  • Solemn Opening of the Parliament of Spain. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solemn_Opening_of_the_Parliament_of_Spain
  • Solemne Apertura de las Cortes Generales del Reino.  (2016). Wikipedia.org; Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solemne_Apertura_de_las_Cortes_Generales_del_Reino
  • The King of Spain presides over the solemn opening of the XV legislature – Jose A Martin – United States Press Agency News (USPA News). (2023). United States Press Agency News (USPA News). https://www.uspa24.com/bericht-23874/the-kings-of-spain-preside-over-the-solemn-opening-of-the-xv-legislature.html