Princess Delivers First Major Address

Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, delivered her first major public address last week as heir to the Spanish throne.

The princess recently read parts of the Spanish Constitution during an event, but last week’s remarks at the Princess of Asturias Awards were more notable.

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princesa2 — TOP: Queen Sofia, Princess Leonor, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia arrive at the awards ceremony. BOTTOM: Princess Leonor, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia at the head table.

Her Royal Highness said she was honored to hold the title of Princess of Asturias and spoke of her Asturian blood. Her mother, Queen Letizia, is from Asturias.

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King Felipe had tender words for his daughter, who will soon turn 13. He told her to have courage and valor.

His words came amid violent protests in Barcelona and Madrid by Catalan pro-independence activists.

princesa4 — Princess Leonor hugging her sister Infanta Sofia.

The Princess of Asturias awards are given to artists, scholars and leaders around the world.

As heir to the Spanish throne, Princess Leonor has been going through a grooming process to prepare her for public life. Last week’s speech was a key part of that effort.

King Silent On Catalan Convictions

King Felipe continued with his public agenda today despite growing unrest in Spain over the conviction of Catalan separatist leaders.

The King made an appearance today at the Royal Academy of Engineering and has not addressed the issue.

The Spanish Supreme Court convicted the Catalan separatists of sedition. In the past, the King has spoken forcefully in favor of unity and against those who violate constitutional norms.

Royals Celebrate National Day

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia presided over the Fiesta Nacional parade in Madrid this weekend.

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People around the world celebrate the day to mark their Hispanic heritage. In Madrid, members of the Armed Forces march down key avenues, with the Royal Family playing a central role.

King Meets With Netherlands, UAE Royals

King Felipe traveled to the Netherlands last week to Amsterdam to mark a Rembrandt-Velázquez exhibit at the Rijksmuseum.

The King met with King Willem-Alexander during the stop. Queen Letizia and Queen Máxima were not involved.

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King Felipe also last week met with Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi in Madrid during his visit to the International Book Fair.

Queen Letizia last week was a key figure during events on mental health issues.

King, Queen Visit Flood Victims

King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited several communities earlier this month affected by recent floods.

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Their Majesties met with rescue workers and residents in communities within the Valencia and Murcia autonomous communities.

Constitutional Court Scraps Probe Of Monarchy

Spain’s Constitutional Court today invalidated a panel tasked with investigating the Royal Family.

The Catalan Parliament, led by pro-independence and republican parties, created the panel to probe any wrongdoing by the King or his relatives.

Today the Constitutional Court said the Catalan Parliament did not have the power take such a step.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez south of Madrid this month for a meeting of the Cervantes Institute leadership. Spanish Royal Household

The Constitutional Court also noted the King is inviolable under the Spanish Constitution.

Royals Visit Communities Hit By Floods, Fires

King Felipe and Queen Letizia this month visited two communities affected by natural disasters.

This week they traveled to Arganda del Rey in the Madrid region to survey the aftermath of flooding.

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Earlier this month, the King and Queen saw the impact of wildfires in the Canary Islands.

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Royals Open Opera Season

King Felipe and Queen Letizia attended the opening of the opera season at the Royal Theater in Madrid earlier this month.

Their Majesties, siting in the Royal Box, saw a performance of Don Carlo with a host of dignitaries.

The King and Queen have attended several opera season openings in recent years.

King Relaunches Political Meetings

King Felipe has launched another round of talks with political leaders after weeks of impasse.

The Socialists, who won the most recent elections, have been unable to form a government and the King is considering whether new elections are in order.

Consultas — The King meeting with Congress President Meritxel Batet at Zarzuela Palace last week. Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe is running the clock until early next week to see if the Socialists are able to get enough votes in Parliament to keep running the country.