Don Felipe, who carried the Spanish flag during the opening ceremonies in 1992, said participants “represented all we are and all that we can achieve together.”
The King also met with Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, known for her left leaning views but also her discomfort with independence.
While there, they highlighted the long-standing ties between the U.K. and Spain by visiting the tomb of Eleanor of Castile, once an English queen consort.
There are numerous other ties, including Queen Victoria Eugenie, King Felipe’s great grandmother and Queen Victoria’s granddaughter.
King Felipe spoke to the British parliament today, just like his father King Juan Carlos did decades ago.
Don Felipe and Queen Letizia began a several-day state visit to the United Kingdom today, which included a visit with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were in the European Parliament over the weekend honoring late German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, a towering figure in the continent.
The Spanish Royal Household has increasingly used King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, King Felipe’s parents, as emissaries to important events. Both are close to numerous world leaders.
The King, speaking to an audience that included Catalan President Carles Puigdemont, who favors a referendum on independence, expressed “sincere and firm commitment” to Girona and Catalonia.
The King also called on the audience to recall actions and values that “have made Catalonia great” and, as a result, “all of Spain.”
The King and the Madrid government have repeatedly stressed territorial unity, coexistence and the rule of law.
LOS BORBONES 