King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were together again this week for church services in remembrance of the late Duchess of Alba, the woman with the most titles of nobility in the world.

The Madrid services were at the Royal Basilica of San Francisco El Grande, where Their Majesties offered their condolences to the Duchess’ widower and children.

Infanta Elena attended funeral services for the Duchess at the Seville Cathedral shortly after her death last month in official representation of the Crown.

Infanta Cristina this week gave a court in Palma de Mallorca almost 600,000 euros in restitution for potential civil violations.

Infanta Cristina’s husband, Iñaki Urdangarín, has for years been under investigation for allegations of using a non-profit company for personal gain through lucrative government contracts.

Urdangarín has denied responsibility and there has been a judicial tug-of-war over whether his wife should be implicated in the case.

The main focus of the Royal Household is keeping the King’s sister out of court, and her paying almost 600,000 euros may achieve that goal.

Spanish media outlets did not only focus on the payment this week, but on the fact that Infanta Cristina’s legal team originally deposited the money at the wrong court in Barcelona rather than Palma.

King Juan Carlos’ recent abdication and King Felipe’s proclamation has eased the controversy’s effect on the Royal Family.

That’s because Infanta Cristina is no longer a member of the nuclear Royal Family, but of a set of relatives known as the King’s Family.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia have made a handful of public appearances together in recent weeks, rebutting claims that the couple plans to formally separate.

Their Majesties attended the funeral today for Spanish-born former Belgian Queen Fabiola.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia may not have a close relationship, but the two appear committed to preventing further controversy about the Royal Family.

Recently the two attended the viewing at the Royal Palace in Madrid of a Royal Family portrait that has been 20 years in the making.

Recent public appearances show Queen Sofia’s continuing commitment to Spain following her husband’s abdication.

King Felipe marked a milestone of his young reign this week by attending his first Ibero-American summit as Spanish head of state.

Don Felipe met with business and political leaders from around Latin America and the Iberian peninsula at the Veracruz, Mexico gathering.

The Ibero-American summit is seem as a venue for Spanish international influence, plus interactions with its former colonies.

But lackluster turnout has prompted observers to recommend reforms to the summit, perhaps less frequent meetings.

Spain has strong economic and cultural ties to Latin America, something the Spanish Crown has been working to strengthen.

Before becoming King, Don Felipe was Spain’s official representative to presidential inaugurations in Latin America. It was a way for the former prince to become known in the region.

King Felipe last week made headlines by traveling to Catalonia for the second trip to the Spanish autonomous community of his reign.

King Felipe’s visit to Spanish car company SEAT S.A.’s factory in Martorell came as the Catalan government plans ways of seceding from Spain, or at least securing a vote on the issue.

Observers saw the image of King Felipe being behind the wheel of a SEAT car with Catalan President Artur Mas as deeply symbolic.

King Felipe has promised to make more trips to Catalonia.

King Felipe VI stressed the need to promote economic growth this week during a two-day official visit to Germany.

King Felipe, who met with German President Joachim Gauck and Chancellor Angela Merkel, said during remarks that economic growth was necessary for the credibility of institutions and European integration.

On Tuesday King Felipe flew to North Rhine-Westphalia where he continued meeting with German leaders and visiting businesses.

One stop included operations of Spanish automotive giant Gestamp Automoción S.L.

There, King Felipe said that despite economic difficulties, efforts at promoting innovation and social dialogue were bearing fruit.

The automotive sector is among the most important in the Spanish economy.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia made several stops around Rome today while on an introductory visit to Italy.

The new Spanish Monarchs, who have been introducing themselves to different neighboring countries, met with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and his wife.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia also met with other top Italian politicians, including Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

King Felipe highlighted his family ties to Italy. His father, King Juan Carlos, war born in Rome while in exile.

Spanish aristocrats and family members of the Duchess of Alba, the woman with the most titles of nobility in the world, have gathered at her palace in Seville awaiting her possible death.

Spanish media are reporting that the Duchess’ confessor arrived at Dueñas Palace today.

The duchess, 88, was rushed to the hospital with pneumonia in recent days.

Even though she is not a member of the Royal Family, the duchess is arguably the most well-known Spanish Grandee and a towering presence in Spanish society.

The Spanish Royal Household has for years been implementing budget cuts and transparency measures, efforts that have intensified since the proclamation of King Felipe.

Now Spanish media are reporting that members of the King’s Family — members beyond the nuclear Royal Family — will no longer be able to accept special perks, trips or discounts.

Members of the King’s Family include his sisters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina, and his aunts, Infanta Pilar and Infanta Margarita.

Infanta Pilar said during a recent interview that royal perks nowadays amount to ease getting movie or bullfight tickets.