King Felipe arrived today in Ethiopia to participate in the ongoing African Union Summit, in an effort to strengthen Spain’s relationship with the continent.
Don Felipe met with African leaders, including Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi and Tunisian leader Béji Caïd Essebsi.
Spain not only has former colonies in Africa, but also tries to keep strong relations with countries like Morocco and Tunisia.
King Felipe this week presided over Spain’s official remembrance of the holocaust at the Palace of the Senate in Madrid.
Don Felipe met with Spain’s Jewish and Roma leaders, on a day that is also an opportunity to stress the prevention of other crimes against humanity.
King Felipe highlighted the plight of all discriminated people’s and reminded the audience that no societty is fully protected against such nonsense.
The official agenda for the King and Queen has picked up in recent days following the Christmas and Epiphany holidays.
This week His Majesty presided over a swearing-in at Zarzuela Palace, seen below.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia also walked through the annual tourism fair in Madrid.
The tourism fair is a big deal for Spain, one of the world’s top destinations. The event brings more than 9,000 businesses and 200,000 visitors from all over the planet, according to the Royal Household.
King Felipe over the weekend rushed to Saudi Arabia, along with other global leaders, after the death of King Abdullah.
Don Felipe met with members of the Saudi Royal family, including new King Salman.
King Juan Carlos, King Felipe’s dad, worked to develop a close relationship with royals in Saudi Arabia and around the Arab World.
Spain’s Supreme Court this week accepted a paternity suit against King Juan Carlos, the country’s former head of state, said media outlets.
At issue is Belgian citizen Ingrid Sartiau’s claim to be the King’s daughter from an extra-marital affair.
The Supreme Court, however, denied a similar claim from Spanish citizen Albert Solá Jiménez because of lack of evidence.
A prosecutor already recommended against moving forward with both cases.
The paternity claims against Don Juan Carlos have been circulating for years, but he King’s former inviolability meant suits could not proceed.
The legal landscape changed when King Juan Carlos abdicated last year in favor of his son Prince Felipe, now King Felipe.
The Spanish government gave the Supreme Court exclusivity in cases dealing with King Juan Carlos and other members of the Royal Family as a measure of protection against frivolous litigation.
King Juan Carlos remains a deeply admired figure because of his role in restoring democracy in Spain.
However, he thrived more when the media was less keen on reporting about the Royal Family’s private lives.
A recent survey found renewed support for the Crown in Spain under new King Felipe and Queen Letizia, which people identified as among those they most valued.
King Felipe today observed a moment of silence at the Royal Palace in Madrid in remembrance of the victims of yesterday’s terrorist attach in Paris.
The King held the moment of silence during a ceremony to receive credentials from new ambassadors to Spain.
Spain’s Royal Family has resumed its official agenda for 2015 following the holidays.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia reappeared this week, on Epiphany, for the annual Pascua Militar — a ceremony with military and government leaders.
The gathering, which dates back to the 1700’s, usually involves a reviewing of troops, plus statements on military and geopolitical issues at the Madrid Royal Palace Throne Room.
This year’s was King Felipe’s first Pascua Militar. His father, King Juan Carlos, abdicated the Spanish throne last year.
Don Juan Carlos has remained active and was recently spotted in California. He turned 77 this week.
LOS BORBONES 