King Felipe met briefly with Catalan President Artur Mas since the Autonomous Community’s recent elections, in which Mas was helping lead a pro-independence ticket.

His Majesty was attending an Iberoamerican Forum summit in Barcelona when he shoot hands with Mas, along with other dignitaries.

The King has worked to portray normal relations between the Crown and Catalan leaders, even amid their threats of secession.

Spain’s Royal Family celebration National Day with the customary military parade in Madrid and a reception at the Royal Palace.

The day is meant to celebrate Hispanic heritage and the country’s sponsorship of Christopher Columbus’ travels to the new world.

The celebrations come amid deep divisions in Spain about national identity and whether to even celebrate Christopher Columbus.

They also come ahead of national elections in December, which may see significant changes in leadership.

Roughly 2,000 people received invitations to the palace reception and Albert Rivera, head of the rising party Ciudadanos, was among the big names in attendance.

Pablo Iglesias, the leader of left-wing party Podemos, thought he hadn’t received an invitation to attend the Royal Palace reception.

Even though it turned out to be a mix-up, Iglesias ended up skipping the event.

Spain’s national day also came amid ongoing nationalist sentiments in Catalonia and the Basque Country.

Leaders of both autonomous communities declined an invitation to the festivities in Madrid.

Spectators spotted Queen Letizia at a U2 concert in Barcelona over the weekend, according to media report.

The Queen went to the concern with friends on Saturday after a brief trip to Germany on Friday.

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia presided today over the funeral of Infante Carlos of Bourbon-Two Sicilies.

Don Carlos, head of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and King Juan Carlos’ cousin, now rests at the Royal Pantheon at the Royal Site of San Lorenzo del Escorial.

Numerous members of the extended Spanish Royal Family and related European nobility wer at the centuries-old site.

It was the first time in months than King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia are seen together. Media reports indicate he has taken back to sailing, buying an antique craft in Finland.

Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina were also at the funeral. The latter will be in court in the coming months, accused of cooperating with her husband in a corruption scheme. Both have denied wrongdoing.

Infante Carlos of Bourbon-Two Sicilies has died, Spanish newspaper El Mundo is reporting.

Don Carlos, head of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, is a cousin of King Juan Carlos, who granted him the title if “infante” in 1994. The title is similar to that of prince.

Don Carlos’ daughter is said to be good friends with King Felipe and Queen Letizia.

Amid ongoing separatist sentiments in Catalonia, King Felipe in recent days called for a “common future” in the neighboring region of Valencia.

King Felipe, who presided over the Jaime I Awards, touted Spanish scientific research and also pressed for funding such endeavors.

The King said developments “make us count more on a common future.”

King Jaime I was king of Aragon and Count of Barcelona, and therefore ruler of Catalonia, during the 1200’s before the region became part of Spain.

Media outlets, including El País read into the King’s words amid budget cuts and social concerns in parts of the country, and King Jaime’s symbolism.

A U.S. university has nominated Queen Sofia to receive the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, according to a Spanish scientist.

Jesús Ávila, scientific director for a neurological disease research foundation, made the comments during a gathering in the southern Spanish city of Málaga.

Backers point to Queen Sofia’s work for people with diseases or disabilities, including Alzheimer’s.

Spanish newspaper ABC noted that Queen Sofia’s father, King Paul of Greece, was also nominated for his role in helping end the Greek Civil War.

Former Spanish King Alfonso XIII, King Felipe’s great grandfather, was also a nominee. Neither won.

Queen Sofia has led several charity or solidarity events in recent weeks, including some with her daughter-in-law, Queen Letizia.

Queen Sofia remains very popular with Spaniards.

Members of the Spanish Royal Family have been continuing business as usual during this weekend’s landmark vote in Catalonia, where pro-independence parties won a majority of seats in parliament but not a majority of votes cast.

King Felipe was back in the U.S. this week to attend the Pope’s speech at the United Nations. His Majesty also addressed the General Assembly, focusing on sustainable growth.

Years ago, when Catalan President Artur Mas first started flirting with joining the pro-independence movement, King Juan Carlos said it was not the time for chimeras.

Now, King Felipe has called for national unity and respect for the rule of law, but has stayed away from the acrimonious campaign process.

Even though the King has high approval ratings around Spain, many pro-independence politicians in Catalonia are openly hostile to the monarchy.