King Felipe VI's Christmas speech to the nation
The King delivered his annual Christmas speech focusing on unity and Spain's future - standing for the first time.
On December 24, 2025, King Felipe VI delivered his traditional Christmas speech to the Spanish people. For the first time in history, the King delivered the speech standing, marking a new production style from the Royal Household. The speech was broadcast from the Salón de Columnas at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
The King opened by wishing all Spaniards a Merry Christmas and reflected on the fact that this year marks 40 years since Spain signed the EU agreement in this very hall. He emphasized the importance of democracy and warned against extremism and populism.
The royal family's official Christmas card from 2025, taken during the visit to Valdesoto in Asturias. Photo: Casa Real
A central theme in the speech was the importance of democratic coexistence and constitutional institutions. King Felipe emphasized that Spain must stand united across political divides to meet the challenges of the future.
The royal family during the visit to Valdesoto in Asturias October 25, 2025. Photo: Casa Real
The King also mentioned his pride in Princess Leonor, who continues her military education and is preparing for her future role as Spain's head of state. She is now training at the Academia General del Aire in San Javier.
Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía were present during the recording of the speech. The royal family then celebrated Christmas Eve together at Zarzuela Palace with a private dinner.
King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía at an official award ceremony in 2025. Photo: Casa Real
The Christmas speech is one of the most important annual events for the Spanish monarchy and gives the King the opportunity to speak directly to the people. Millions of Spaniards followed the broadcast on TV and radio.
King Felipe concluded the speech by expressing hope for the new year and encouraged Spaniards to take care of each other. He wished everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year.
Reactions to the speech were overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the King's unifying message in a time of political polarization.
The royal family's official Christmas card from 2025, taken during the visit to Valdesoto in Asturias. Photo: Casa Real
A central theme in the speech was the importance of democratic coexistence and constitutional institutions. King Felipe emphasized that Spain must stand united across political divides to meet the challenges of the future.
The royal family during the visit to Valdesoto in Asturias October 25, 2025. Photo: Casa Real
The King also mentioned his pride in Princess Leonor, who continues her military education and is preparing for her future role as Spain's head of state. She is now training at the Academia General del Aire in San Javier.
Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofía were present during the recording of the speech. The royal family then celebrated Christmas Eve together at Zarzuela Palace with a private dinner.
King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía at an official award ceremony in 2025. Photo: Casa Real
The Christmas speech is one of the most important annual events for the Spanish monarchy and gives the King the opportunity to speak directly to the people. Millions of Spaniards followed the broadcast on TV and radio.
King Felipe concluded the speech by expressing hope for the new year and encouraged Spaniards to take care of each other. He wished everyone a peaceful Christmas and a happy new year.
Reactions to the speech were overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the King's unifying message in a time of political polarization.