King Felipe once again used his bully pulpit to address the crisis in Catalonia, where pro-independence parties are looking to force a referendum on independence.
The King, during remarks in recent days at an awards ceremony related to culture, spoke about Spain’s “constitutional democracy” and national “coexistence.”
Don Felipe said the Spanish Constitution would prevail as the guarantor of liberty and progress, and against those who seek to break it.
Rescue workers and officials welcomed the King. Some anti-monarchy activists and pacifists, upset about Spain’s export of military weapons, protested his arrival.
The King has made it a point to visit Barcelona several times since the attack. His presence as a symbol of unity is particularly important amid pro-independence rumblings in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia.
Terrorism is nothing new in Spain and members of the Royal Family. The country has dealt with Basque separatists in the past and the 2004 Madrid train bombings.
The Royals hold their public meetings at Almudaina Palace, an old Arab fort that became a Spanish royal residence.
Almudaina Palace
However, they have long stayed at Marivent Palace, which belongs to local authorities but is set aside for the family’s use.
Queen Sofia, who spends the most time in Mallorca, often with get grandchildren, is devoted to the place.
It’s unclear how King Felipe and Queen Letizia see Marivent and Mallorca, but continue the tradition, including an annual photo shoot and press meet-and-greet.
Several royals went out to dinner out on the town. King Juan Carlos, however, was spotted in Ireland and is unlikely to stop in Mallorca.
Don Felipe, who carried the Spanish flag during the opening ceremonies in 1992, said participants “represented all we are and all that we can achieve together.”
The King also met with Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, known for her left leaning views but also her discomfort with independence.
While there, they highlighted the long-standing ties between the U.K. and Spain by visiting the tomb of Eleanor of Castile, once an English queen consort.
There are numerous other ties, including Queen Victoria Eugenie, King Felipe’s great grandmother and Queen Victoria’s granddaughter.
King Felipe spoke to the British parliament today, just like his father King Juan Carlos did decades ago.
Don Felipe and Queen Letizia began a several-day state visit to the United Kingdom today, which included a visit with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
LOS BORBONES 