Spain and the European Union paid homage Monday to the 192 victims of the March 11, 2004 Madrid train bombings that marked the start of mass Islamist attacks in Europe.

Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are due to preside over the official ceremony at 12:15 pm (1115 GMT) in the Royal Collections Gallery, a museum near the palace.

Organised by Brussels, March 11 has become the official European Day of Remembrance "for the victims of terrorism".

On that date in 2004, the Spanish capital was plunged into chaos as 10 bombs devastated four commuter trains during the early morning rush hour.