Month: July 2012

Busy Week For King Juan Carlos

King Juan Carlos has been busy this week while his wife, Queen Sofia, tours the Philippines. His Majesty has been walking slowly but insisting on keeping a full and active agenda.

Don Juan Carlos in uniform with Defense Minister Pedro Morenés.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Today Don Juan Carlos handed out Royal Dispatches to graduates of the Air Force Academy in Murcia. The King has always been close with the military. Not only is he Commander in Chief of the Spanish armed forces, but he also served in all branches during his education during the Franco years.

Meeting at Zarzuela Palace.

This week King Juan Carlos met with U.S. Navy Admiral James G. Stavridis, who currently serves as head of U.S. forces in Europe and NATO Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

Zarzuela Palace also was host to Dominican Republic President Leonel Antonio Fernández and his wife, Vice President-elect Margarita Cedeño de Fernández.

© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

In August, Prince Felipe will visit the Dominican Republic to assist the inauguration of President-elect Danilo Medina. It’s part of the Monarchy’s effort to retain close relations with Latin American countries.

Queen Sofia Takes Philippines By Storm

Queen Sofia has taken the Philippines by storm on her third visit to the country this week. Leaders in the former Spanish colony are giving Her Majesty a warm welcome with full honors wherever she goes.

Queen Sofia with President Benigno Aquino.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

The Queen presided over a meeting about Spanish international aid to the country. She called the Philippines a priority for Spain and said she felt “truly at home.”

Arrival in Legazpi.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

The Queen opened an exhibit at the National Library about Spanish cooperation in the Philippines. She has also visited a school, a workshop and a hospital.

Meeting with students at Refugio School.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Queen Sofia met with mayors who are working to improve local governance. She’s also promoting the increased teaching of Spanish in the country.

Monarchy Celebrates Win

King Juan Carlos and other members of the Royal Family welcomed the Spanish football team after their UEFA Euro 2012 tournament win in Ukraine yesterday.

The team at Zarzuela Palace. Note the King’s flag in the upper left hand corner.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

“With work, you achieve results,” the King told team members, as he congratulated them on behalf of the country. Captain Iker Casillas then gave the King a team jersey with the number 1 on the back.

Princess Letizia, her daughters and Infanta Elena were also at the palace for the event. Click here for video from Spanish Television.

King Juan Carlos with his granddaughters, Infanta Leonor and Sofia.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Prince Felipe was in Kiev yesterday to watch the game. It is common for members of the Royal Family to attend major sporting events abroad.

The Spanish team, Prince Felipe and Prime Mister Mariano Rajoy.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Spain’s victory makes them, according to one analyst, “the most accomplished international soccer team of all time.” The Spanish team now has two recent wins in Europe and the World Cup.

Prince Felipe with Xavi Hernández.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Queen Sofia, who is also a big fan of Spanish sports, was not at the event. She arrived today in the Philippines for an official visit.

© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos