Relevo Solemne en el Palacio Real
"Relevo Solemne en el Palacio Real" translates to "Solemn Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace." This is a ceremonial event that takes place at various royal residences in Spain, including the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) in Madrid.
During the Solemn Changing of the Guard, members of the Spanish Royal Guard perform a meticulously choreographed ceremony to symbolically transfer responsibility for guarding the royal residence from one group of guards to another. The event typically involves military music, precision marching, and intricate manoeuvres as the guards carry out their duties with discipline and honor.
The Solemn Changing of the Guard is not only a symbolic tradition but also a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to witness the spectacle and experience a glimpse of Spain's royal heritage and military tradition.
Sentry posts are established in Plaza de la Armería. The incoming guard is inspected by the commanding officer beside Puerta del Príncipe, in order to make sure that both uniforms and weaponry are in perfect conditions.
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The outgoing guard marches from Puerta del Príncipe to Plaza de la Armería. Alternatively, and before the changing itself starts, an acrobatic rifle skills exhibition, a mounted display, or a military tattoo performed by the Royal Guard Band.
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The incoming and outgoing guards’ commanders, in the presence of the Royal Guard commander, order the changing of the guard. The handover itself takes place while foot guards, gunners and mounted guards take over their post at the Plaza
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BATERÍA REAL // ROYAL BATTERY
We can find its origins in King Carlos IV´s light field & horse artillery. Their mission is to render military honours by firing cannon salutes and participating in parades and functions with their unique Schneider 75/28 cannons, from 1906, which are pulled by dark bay and chestnut coated Hispano-Breton stallions. The Royal Battery wears the traditional artillery uniform from Alfonso XIII’s reign
CORACEROS // CUIRASSIERS
Like the lancers, their mission is to provide solemn escort to the Royal Family and the foreign Heads of State. They ride bay coated pure Spanish-bred stallions and their uniform is a replica of King Alfonso XII’s Royal Escort Squadron, which dates back to 1875.
BATIDORES // SCOUTS
They traditionally open the Royal Squadron marches and parades. They ride dark bay coated stallions and wear the Cavalry Institute of Lancers’ uniform.
GUARDIA REAL A PIE // ROYAL FOOT GUARDS
The characteristic deep blue uniform finds its roots in the first guards who served the King Philip V (18th century), although its design was inspired by those that were used by the Spanish Army during the reign of King Alfonso XIII. They are crowned with the traditional military headgear, known as “ros”, and incorporate the double red stripes on the trousers. This outfit was recovered for the Armed Forces’ Day military parade of 1976.
LANCEROS // LANCERS
As members of the Royal Escort Squadron, Lancers´ main duty is to provide solemn escort to the Royal Family and the foreign Heads of State mounted dapple-gray coated pure Spanish-bred stallions. They use cane lances crowned with the national colours and wear the uniform of the Cavalry Institute of Lancers, established in 19th century
