As Spain celebrates its National Day, one paratrooper has had a morning to forget.
Corporal Luis Fernando Pozo mistimed his flag-carrying jump and ended up dangling from a lamppost - all while the nation's King Felipe looked on.
Tasked with delivering the national ensign to the royal gallery, all seemed to be going well for the experienced paratrooper, who has over 600 jumps to his name.
But sadly all went wrong just moments before he was due to touch down.
The paratrooper's chute catches on a lamppost and leaves him attempting a rather undignified shuffle to set himself free.
A stern-looking King Felipe looked on, before polite applause rippled through the grandstand and spectators who attended the parade at Paseo de la Castellana - a long and wide avenue which runs through the centre of Madrid.
An awkward few minutes ensued, before the flag was retrieved and Corporal Luis hoisted from the obstacle, reports El Pais.
Corporal Luis was unharmed and has passed all the relevant medical tests given to him by the military - and might even have won a royal fan.
Reporter Miguel Gonzalez claimed both King and acting President Pedro Sanchez were set to greet him personally after the parade.
This comic episode took place just days before the Spanish supreme court is due to rule on 12 Catalan separatist leaders, and the irony of the Spanish flag falling to the floor has not been lost on some.
@Dird_ wrote on Twitter "This is a great example of what Spain is right now"
@juansotoivars cheekily called for "Independence for the lamppost"
But @DagonRaven summed all of our thoughts up: "The paratrooper with the flag is me on any given day".
