King Cheered In Puerto Rico, Honduras

King Felipe spent most of last week in Latin America, visiting former Spanish colonies of Puerto Rico and Honduras.

His Majesty’s visit to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico for the 500th anniversary of San Juan, the island’s capital, was much anticipated by locals, many of whom cherish their Spanish roots.

_{King Felipe with Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi. Spanish Royal Household}

The trip was particularly dramatic because vandals took down a statue of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico’s first governor, but local officials put the statue back on its pedestal as the King was landing.

Puerto Ricans still keep the coat of arms granted by Spain and the island’s municipalities also follow Spanish heraldry for their symbols.

_{King Felipe and other Spanish and Puerto Rican officials walking through Old San Juan. Spanish Royal Household}

Many Puerto Ricans were disappointed the trip didn’t include Queen Letizia, who had other agenda items in Madrid.

_{King Felipe looking at a painting of Queen Isabella II at the Puerto Rico governor’s mansion. Spanish Royal Household}

Puerto Ricans are hoping the trip strengthens economic relations with Spain after several Spanish firms have reduced or pulled their presence from the island. Puerto Rico has been experiencing years of economic troubles after decades of post-World War II boom.

_{King Felipe getting the key to San Juan with Mayor Miguel Romero. Spanish Royal Household}

In Honduras, King Felipe met with incoming President Xiomara Castro, who has promised to root out corruption.

_{King Felipe greeting President Castro. Spanish Royal Household}

King Felipe also had a chat with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, whose portfolio includes relations with Central America.

_{King Felipe with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Spanish Royal Household}

King Felipe has been attending Latin American presidential inaugurations for decades, first as Prince of Asturias and now as Spanish head-of-state.

King’s Sister Announces Separation

King Felipe’s sister, Infanta Cristina, said she was suspending marital relations with her husband, Iñaki Urdangarin, media outlets reported today.

Infanta Cristina stuck by her husband through a corruption trial and conviction, which sent him to jail for several years. He was recently photographed holding hands with another woman.

Infanta Cristina and Urdangarin married in 1997 in Barcelona.

King Felipe’s other sister, Infanta Elana, is divorced from her husband, Jaime de Marichalar.

Infanta Cristina and Urdangarin have four children together. They lost their ducal titles during his corruption scandal.

Royals Launch 2022 Agenda

Spain’s Royal Family launched its 2022 agenda with the annual Pascua Militar — a uniquely Spanish event on the Epiphany holiday.

Senior members of the government, the military and the clergy gather at the Royal Palace in Madrid with the King and Queen for a review of troops, remarks and a reception.

Since the January 6 event, members of the Royal Family have resumed duties, including King Felipe receiving credential letters from several new ambassadors.

Queen Letizia led a work meeting of the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases, one of the charities she helps support.

Queen Sofia attended a concert in Madrid to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Spanish Caritas, a major charity.

Media outlets in Puerto Rico reported that King Felipe will travel to the island later this month to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the city of San Juan.