Letizia of Spain marks a milestone for the national medical evacuation service
In Madrid, Queen Letizia attended a ceremonial event honoring the 100th anniversary of the national medical evacuation service. The occasion underscored a long history of early medical intervention and the critical role of air transport in casualty care. The gathering drew attention from military medical professionals, dignitaries, and supporters who recognize the service as a backbone of battlefield medicine and civilian emergency response [Citation: Royal Court].
For the appearance, the queen opted a distinctive ensemble that balanced tradition with contemporary style. She wore a pink tweed jacket featuring gold buttons paired with white palazzo pants, a choice attributed to the Spanish brand Mirto. Completing the look, her signature red bag by Pons Quitana added a bold, contrasting accent. The accessories were thoughtfully selected to reflect a refined yet approachable royal presentation, suitable for an event that blends formal ceremony with practical praise for healthcare and military medical personnel [Citation: Royal Court].
During the program, Queen Letizia greeted the attending military doctors with customary warmth, engaging in brief handshakes before being guided to her seat. As part of the protocol, she settled her bag on the floor as a discreet signal to the escort team, a small moment that illustrated the ease with which royal duties can merge with practical considerations in such settings [Citation: Palace Press Office].
The term medical evacuation, commonly shortened to medevac, refers to the use of air transport to move injured or ill individuals to safer or better-equipped medical facilities. This capability first emerged in the context of battlefield medicine during the First World War, when airlift operations demonstrated the potential to accelerate care for those wounded behind front lines. Since then, medevac has evolved into a cornerstone of both military and civilian emergency medical systems. It enables rapid transportation, on-site triage, and timely access to specialists, ultimately improving survival and recovery chances for patients in critical need [Citation: Medical History Archive].
In addition to commemorating the anniversary, the queen participated in a separate engagement the preceding day. She was present at the presentation of national awards to outstanding athletes, reinforcing her support for national sports alongside her duties related to military and health services. The two events together highlighted a broader commitment to public service and the recognition of excellence across multiple sectors in Spain [Citation: Royal Court].