King, Queen Honor Terror Victims

King Felipe and Queen Letizia on Friday attended ceremonies to honor the victims of last year’s terror attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, both in the autonomous community of Catalonia.

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© Spanish Royal Household

The King and Queen attended with other leaders of the central and regional government.

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The monarch’s attendance was controversial because pro-independence politicians wanted to keep him out.

Most leaders eventually put differences aside, but separatists put up billboards against the King overnight.

The crowd included unionists who cheered the King and the Constitution.

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Royals Visible In Mallorca

Members of the Spanish Royal Family have been extremely visible during their vacations in Mallorca.

The goal is to defuse all the talk of controversy surrounding King Juan Carlos, and also move past the recent public tension between Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia.

Earlier this week, King Felipe and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met at Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca, and later Queen Letizia and Sánchez’s wife María Begoña joined in for lunch.

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© Spanish Royal Household

The King also participated in the King’s Cup Regatta and awards ceremony, and held an evening gathering for local leaders at Almudaina Palace with Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia.

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Earlier this month, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and their daughters — Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia — posed for pictures at Almudaina Palace and greeted reporters.

Queen Sofia, Queen Letizia, the princess and the infanta visited walked around a market.

More family members, including Infanta Elena and Princess Irene, Queen Sofia’s sister, joined the royals for a concert.

Members of the Royal Family and other close relatives also had dinner out together, as has become tradition.

King Juan Carlos, meanwhile, remains away from official activities. He missed the inauguration of Colombia’s new president because of health reasons, outlets reported.

Tension In Mallorca Over King Juan Carlos

Members of the Spanish Royal Family and the King’s broader family are vacationing in Mallorca as is customary.

But King Juan Carlos is absent. The Royal Household blames a minor health issue. But media outlets point to leaked recordings from Don Juan Carlos’ former friend, alleging potential financial irregularities.

Not only has King Felipe’s father stayed away from the summer spotlight, he recently scrapped plans to participate in a regatta in Galicia, according to media outlets.

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King Juan Carlos. © Agencia EFE

King Felipe, who received Balearic Island leaders at Almudaina Palace in the heart of Palma de Mallorca, touched on the issue.

Don Felipe said his father was not in great shape and wanted to sail this month.

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King Felipe with Baltasar Picornell i Lladó, president of the Balearic Islands parliament.

Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia were seen strolling with Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia.

Back in Madrid, the Supreme Court and parliament are both looking at the recordings. There does seem to be an effort to keep King Juan Carlos away from any further embarassment if possible.