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.
Queen Spotted At Concert
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Monarchs Hold Royal Funeral
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.
King Touts Spanish Grand Pact Amid Catalan Troubles
King Felipe touted Spain’s constitutional “grand pact” of national unity amid separatist sentiments in Catalonia.
Don Felipe said the Spanish constitution is a “grand pact that defends, preserves and embraces the rights and liberties of citizens.”
The King also said the 1978 document “defends the communities of Spain in the exercise of its diverse cultures and traditions, languages and institutions, and consecrates the liberty, justice, equality and political pluralism as essential values of our coexistence.”
His Majesty also spoke about Spain’s commitment to European integration and said he felt “profoundly European.”
King Felipe also met with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who have expressed solidarity with a united Spain and suggested opposition to Catalan nationalism.
Several anti-monarchist European Parliament members held signs and republican flags during His Majesty’s speech.
Royal Cousin Dies
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.
King Felipe Touts Common Future
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.
Queen Sofia Nominated For Nobel Peace Prize
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.
Royals Silent During Catalan Vote
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.
King, Queen Wow Washington
King Felipe and Queen Letizia began their first official U.S. visit as Spanish monarchs in Washington, D.C.
Their Majesties left their downtown hotel early this morning bound for George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate.
At Mount Vernon, they visited Washington’s tomb and gave curators a copy of the first American ambassador to Spain’s credentials, signed by the first president.
Their Majesties then went to the White House to visit President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
The president said during brief remarks, “The Spanish people have hosted my family. I hope that I can travel to Spain before the end of my presidency. There’s no country that I’d enjoy more for a visit.”
The Spanish government has long been asking President Obama to visit the country.
“We are deeply committed to maintaining a relationship with a strong and unified Spain,” said the president, making a veiled reference to separatist sentiments in Catalonia.
The King said, “I follow in the footsteps of my father. He’s had a longstanding relationship with many Presidents of the United States.”
Mrs. Obama took the Queen on a tour of the White House garden. Today was The Queen’s birthday.
The King and Queen then drive to Capitol Hill to meet with members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Staffers there commented on the King’s height and the Queen’s beauty and impeccable outfit.
Queen Letizia had changed into an evening outfit for a reception with the Spanish community in Washington, including famed chef José Andrés.
The next morning King Felipe met with U.S. business leaders at the Spanish ambassador’s residence. He asked them to trust Spanish stability and economic growth.
Don Felipe then spoke about transatlantic relations at the Wilson Center while Queen Letizia visited the National Institutes of Health.
The Washington visit ended with a meeting at Georgetown University, Don Felipe’s alma mater, Spanish scientists, and a dinner.
They King and Queen took some time to greet workers and students who were gathered on campus.
On Thursday, the royal couple flew to Miami for a conference on Spanish in the U.S., and a Spanish film festival.
On Friday the trip ends in St. Augustine, where Their Majesties will mark the 450th anniversary of the former Spanish city.
They will give Ford Motor Co. CEO the Bernardo de Gálvez award. named for a Spanish colonial leader who helped the U.S. gain independence from Britain.
Queen Letizia, Now A ‘Barbie’ Doll
The AFD Group, a company of Russian doll-makers, recently unveiled one of Queen Letizia.
The company, which has made dolls of numerous celebrities and public figures, displayed their creation during a gathering in Spain this weekend.
The doll captures the Queen’s look during events surrounding the wedding of Prince William and Katherine Middleton in London.
News outlets around the world have reported on the doll, and also noted that it will not be for sale.
Back to school
Separately, last week King Felipe and Queen Letizia drove their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, to their first day of school after summer break.
Their Majesties have been busy with appearances ahead of a planned visit to the U.S. starting tomorrow.
Royals Retake Their Agenda
King Felipe and Queen Letizia have returned from vacation and retaken the royal agenda with a roster of meetings at Zarzuela Palace.
The press noted the King had shaved his beard. The cultural industry asked for help lowering taxes.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia are scheduled to make a trip to the U.S. in the coming days. A meeting with President Obama is on the schedule.
