King Addresses Young Spaniards

King Felipe’s Christmas Eve message this year was short and focused on one particular audience — the youth.

The King reminded viewers and listeners about Spain’s transition to democracy and the Crown’s commitment to coexistence.

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The King taped his remarks at Zarzuela Palace.

The message, like years prior, comes amid ongoing separatist sentiment among some Catalans, particularly young people.

“Coexistence, which is always fragile, is the most valuable work of our democracy and the best legacy we can give younger generations; we must defend it, care for it and protect it,” said Don Felipe.

The King, whose words were broadcast on television and social media, ended his remarks by wishing people a merry Christmas in Spain’s different languages.

He said, “We should value with price and without complex what we are, what we have done and be confident in what we can all do together, getting away from disenchantment and pessimism.”

Catalan separatists responded to the remarks by questioning Spain’s commitment to democracy and liberty.

Royals Release Christmas Cards

Members of the Spanish Royal Family released their Christmas cards ahead of today’s celebrations.

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The card from King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia includes an image of the family in Asturias.

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The official visit, earlier this year, was seen as a debut for Leonor, the Princess of Asturias and heir to the Spanish throne.

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King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia released a card with a picture of themselves.

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Usually, the elder King and Queen release a cared with a Christmas-related image from an important work of art.

Royals Celebrate Constitution

The Spanish Royal family yesterday celebrated the Constitution’s 40th anniversary yesterday with ceremonies at the Congress of the Deputies palace in Madrid.

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Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe delivered remarks to lawmakers, in which he praised the document as securing unity and Democracy.

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King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia listening to their son speak. Media outlets noted Queen Sofia’s ruby necklace, a gift from her mother, the late Queen Frederica of Greece. Queen Sofia has worn the jewel during important events.

The King, because of his father’s role in crafting the Constitution following the death of dictator Francisco Franco, said the Crown was tied to Spain’s democratic growth.

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Members of the Royal Family at the Congress of Deputies palace. Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia were prominent in the ceremonies.

Catalan separatists boycotted the events and leftist political party Podemos was upset at the ovation to the royals. The party is betting Spain’s and its own fortunes on republicanism.

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The royals made a balcony appearance to a waiting crowd.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia attended a concern on the eve of yesterday’s ceremonies. Media outlets commented on her dress being a risky decision.

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Beyond this week’s commemorations, royals have attended numerous events and exhibitions to mark the constitutional milestone.

King Felipe Attends Mexican Presidential Inauguration

King Felipe was in Mexico over the weekend to attend investiture ceremonies for new Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

The king met with outgoing Mexican leader Enrique Peña Nieto and with López Obrador. He sat near the U.S. delegation, which included presidential aide Ivanka Trump.

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King Felipe returned to Madrid this week to participate in ceremonies commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution.

 

Images: State Visit By Chinese President

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Spain with his wife, Peng Liyuan, for a state visit before moving on to the G-20 Summit in Argentina.

The Chinese president and first lady met with King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace in Madrid for a welcome ceremony and state dinner, and also at Zarzuela Palace for meetings.

The queen and first lady visited the Royal Theater in Madrid. The following are a collection of images released by the Spanish Royal Household.

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Foreign Policy Whirlwind For King Felipe

The past several weeks have been heavily focused on foreign policy for King Felipe.

Following a Latin American tour and helping lead the Ibero-American Summit, His Majesty traveled to Brussels to visit the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s new headquarters.

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Spanish Royal Household

The King this month also attended a European Union conference being held in Spain’s Canary Islands.

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Spanish Royal Household

Topping off the month was a state visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping.

King Juan Carlos Meets With Saudi Crown Prince

King Juan Carlos is generating controversy again for meeting in recent days with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

The crown prince is facing global outrage following the death of a Saudi journalist at that country’s consulate in Istanbul.

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Saudi Foreign Ministry

King Juan Carlos has always been close with Arab monarchs and has used that relationship to promote Spanish interests.

The Spanish government said Don Juan Carlos’ greeting, during a Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi, was simply protocol.

King Visits Peru, Leads Ibero-American Summit

King Felipe has just concluded a muti-day trip to Latin America, including a state visit to Peru and then the Ibero-American summit in Guatemala.

Below are images of His Majesty meeting with regional leaders, touring sites and greeting people.

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Queen Letizia accompanied the King to Peru but did not stay in Latin America for the summit.

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King Felipe is the honorary president of the Organization of Ibero-American States.

King Travels To France For Armistice Day

King Felipe traveled to France earlier this month to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

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King Felipe meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron. © Spanish Royal Household
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© Spanish Royal Household

The King, who traveled to France without Queen Letizia and met with numerous other world leaders, then embarked on a tour of Latin America.