King Felipe and Queen Letizia welcomed Israeli President Reuven Rivlin and his wife for a state visit this week.
The associated ceremonies were filled with particular pomp and came amid ongoing tensions in the Spanish Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
The visit showed the King wanting to strengthen ties with the State of Israel and highlighting Spain’s efforts to atone for expelling Jews in 1492.
The ceremonies also showed the King wanting to continue returning to a normal agenda.
President Rivlin highlighted Spain’s strength and unity during remarks, a nod to the tensions.
Polls show King Felipe with ratings above 70 percent, but Catalan nationalists are upset he took a hard line against the separatists.
Media outlets reported that some recipients of an award backed by the Crown declined the honor.
LOS BORBONES 