King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were in Barcelona today handing out Royal Dispatches to new judges.
Their very presence in Barcelona was of note because of the ongoing debate in Catalonia about independence.
The King, who recently returned from Saudi Arabia, greeted Catalan President Artur Mas cordially, even though Mas has been pushing for a referendum on independence.
During his remarks, King Juan Carlos touted “democratic coexistence, social peace and justice.” He also stressed the importance of Constitutional principles and rights.
Yesterday the King visited the Basque Country, another autonomous community known for pro-independence and republican rumblings.
Earlier this week Prince Felipe visited Bilbao, the Basque Country’s largest city, to preside over an awards ceremony.
Spanish media reported a small Basque nationalist demonstration against the Royal Family and in favor of self determination.
Spain’s central government has resisted regional referendums on independence, calling them unconstitutional.
Separately, this week tax authorities accused the King’s son-in-law Iñaki Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma, of tax crimes.
Urdangarin has for years been under investigation for allegations that he used public money for personal gain.
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