Leibovitz, Higgs Among Award Winners

Photographer Annie Leibovitz and scientist Peter Higgs were among this year’s recipients of the annual Prince of Asturias awards, held in Oviedo, capital of the Principality of Asturias in Spain.

Queen Sofia, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia arriving at the awards venue in Asturias.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

The awards are among the most important events that the Spanish Royal Family puts on every year. The ceremony is broadcast live on television and brings out thousands of spectators.

Beyond the formal events at Campoamor Theater and the Hotel of the Reconquest, the Prince and Princess of Asturias also award a town in the principality.

This year they recognized the community of Teverga for working to overcome the downturn in mining related employment.

Prince Felipe has been taking on an increasingly visible role in recent years after King Juan Carlos’ multiple operations.

King Absent For National Day

King Juan Carlos, who recently underwent hip surgery, was notably not present for the Fiesta Nacional military parade in Madrid.

Prince Felipe, who is playing an increasingly visible role, presided over the Saturday event, along with his wife Princess Letizia.

Queen Sofia and Infanta Elena joined them later for a reception at the Royal Palace.

The Prince of Asturias stepping in for his father more and more has led to news outlets and politicians to suggest changes in the Constitution or at least Spanish law to give the Prince more of an official role.

The King and his son did meet with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and other officials at Zarzuela Palace today to discuss the upcoming Ibero-American Summit.

The Prince, because he is not a head of state or government, will not be able to step in for his father to lead the Spanish delegation. Instead he will host associated events.

Also in recent days, Queen Sofia celebrated her brother in law Carlos Zurita, the Duke of Soria, who heads a booster group for the famed Prado museum.

And in the ongoing saga over the corruption investigation plaguing the King’s son on law, Infanta Cristina’s husband, El País reported that their Barcelona home is on sale to make bond.

In recent days news outlets have been reporting about leaked information about the couple’s expenses, including shrimp fajitas at a Washington, D.C. area restaurant.

The King Texts?!

It seems that King Juan Carlos is fond of texting public officials in a jovial manner.

Joan Mesquida, former director general of the Spanish Civil Guard and former tourism chief, got a text from the King during a recent radio broadcast, according to El País.

So Mesquida went on the explain that the King not only texts, but is also quick to pick up the phone or return phone calls.

Don Juan Carlos is still recovering from his recent operation.

Other members of the Royal Family, meanwhile, have remained active.

This week Queen Sofia, for example, attended an exhibit at El Prado Museum.

She also donned her mantilla and formal black dress to commemorate the Patrol Madonna of the Civil Guard.

It’s not all good news for the Royal Family these days.

A judge is deciding whether to include the King’s daughter, Infanta Cristina, in her husband’s ongoing corruption investigation.

Royals Celebrate Little Flag Day, Greet Crowds

Members of the Royal Family greeted crowds in Madrid today during the annual Flag Day Red Cross fundraiser.

Queen Sofia presided over a booth at the Congress of Deputies.

Infanta Elena and Princess Letizia were elsewhere in the city, also greeting crowds and putting little Red Cross flags on them.

Earlier this week Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were celebrated Police Day in Alcalá de Henares in the Madrid region.

King Juan Carlos has not held any public events since his recent surgery. He is already out of the hospital.