King Felipe this month tapped Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the head of the center-right Popular Party, to form a government after Spain’s recent inconclusive elections.
His Majesty met with party leaders before announcing his decision. The Royal Household said it was because Feijóo’s party received the most seats.
King Felipe and Feijóo at Zarzuela Palace. Spanish Royal Household
If Feijóo fails to form a government, King Felipe will likely ask Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to make an attempt at remaining in power. If that doesn’t work, there would likely be new elections.
King Felipe and Sánchez.
Sánchez’s Socialists won a partial victory when their candidate to moderate parliamentary debates won. It happened after the party promised nationalist parties to allow languages other than Castilian during sessions.
The Popular Party was hoping far right Vox would support its candidate to lead parliamentary debates, but Vox stuck with its own pick.
Queen Letizia and her daughter, Infanta Elena, were in Australia to celebrate Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup.
Her Majesty was seen nervous as the game wound to a close and then embraced team members as they basked in victory.
Spanish Royal Household
The Queen’s trip came as the Royal Family retakes its agenda after summer vacations. Princess Leonor did not attend. She entered military training in recent days.
King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia dropping off Princess Leonor at the Zaragoza Military Academy Thursday. Spanish Royal Household
Media outlets contrasted the Queen’s trip with British royals staying home during the game. News reports said they cited environmental reasons.
Members of the Spanish Royal Family arrived in the island of Mallorca in recent days for the beginning of their summer vacation.
King, Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia visited historic gardens Monday. They usually make a point of seeing at least one notable place on the island every year.
Spanish Royal Household
King Felipe also held meetings with Balearic Island leaders at the Almudaina Palace in downtown Palma de Mallorca. The family stays at a different palace, Marivent, when vacationing.
Queen Sofia is the biggest fan of vacationing in Mallorca and Marivent Palace. She’s seen there during the summer and Easter.
However, her last public event was Monday with members of the Belgian Royal Family to attend ceremonies in memory of the late King Baudouin, who died in Spain in the 1990s.
Queen Sofia with King Philippe. Spanish Royal Household
Separately last week, King Felipe and Queen Letizia attended the opening of the Gallery of Royal Collections in Madrid.