Royal Vacations Underway With Unexpected Moments

The Royal Family’s annual summer vacations are underway, including with King Juan Carlos, who has been scarce in recent years.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia hosted a reception for leaders and activists at Almudaina Palace in Palma de Mallorca this weekend.

reyes_recepcion_sociedad_balear_20160807_04 — © Casa de S.M. el Rey

King Felipe and Queen Letizia sometimes take private vacation trips, but have also continued the tradition of setting up at Marivent Palace in Palma, a favorite of Queen Sofia. They use Almudaina nearby for public gatherings.

reyes_recepcion_sociedad_balear_20160807_02 — © Casa de S.M. el Rey

The King also kept with tradition by making an appearance at the King’s Cup regatta.

King Juan Carlos used to attend the event but has long soured on vacationing in the Balearic Islands.

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Despite Don Juan Carlos not being as keen on Mallorca, he dined with Queen Sofia and other family members there earlier this month, according to gossip outlets.

Pictures show Infanta Elena, King Felipe’s sister, and numerous of Queen Sofia’s grandchildren, some of who have been taking sailing lessons.

Infanta Cristina, who has embroiled in a corruption investigation tied to her husband’s business dealings, has long been absent from such events, but sends her kids.

The magazine Hola! also published pictures of Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos boating together. The two are said to live separate lives.

Members of the Royal Family and other relatives celebrated Infanta Pilar’s 80th birthday late last month in her son’s Mallorca home. She’s King Juan Carlos’ sister.

King, Queen Send Off Olympic Team

King Felipe and Queen Letizia cheered the Spanish Olympic team as athletes departed for Brazil over the weekend.

reyes_rio2016_despedida_20160729_08 — © Casa de S.M. el Rey

The King and Queen spoke with the athletes and took numerous selfies. We may also see a member of the Royal or King’s family in Rio de Janeiro.

King Juan Carlos Safeguards Latin American Relations

King Juan Carlos traveled to Peru last week to attend the inauguration of its new President Pablo Kuczynski.

rey_juan_carlos_peru_20160728_02 — © Casa de S.M. el Rey

Spain considers relations with former colonies paramount and a senior member of the Royal Family travels there often.

rey_juan_carlos_peru_20160728_07 — King Juan Carlos with a gaggle of Latin American leaders. © Casa de S.M. el Rey

King Felipe used to attend swearings-in during his time and prince. Now he often sends his father to represent him.

King Referees Political Impasse

King Felipe has been meeting with Spanish political party leaders as they negotiate among themselves to form a government after a second round of parliamentary elections.

Rey_Audiencia_Presidenta_Congreso_03_20160720 — King Felipe with Congress President Ana Pastor at Zarzuela Palace. © Casa de S.M. el Rey

The process has generated some controversy after the leader of Ciudadanos suggested asking His Majesty to help convince the socialists to give up their opposition to a conservative led government.

rey_consultas_ciudadanos_20160728_02 — The King with Ciudadanos head Albert Rivera. © Casa de S.M. el Rey

The conservative Popular Party won the elections but not with the majority necessary to form a government without coalition partners.

Even though the King is deeply involved in hekping form a government, he must remain neutral in accordance with the Spanish Constitution and custom.

Su Majestad el Rey con Mariano Rajoy representante del Partido Popular (PP) — The King with Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. © Casa de S.M. el Rey

King Felipe asked conservative Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, as the winner, to form a government. But its unclear whether he will be able to do so.