King Travels To Guatemala

King Felipe traveled to Guatemala in recent days for the inauguration of Bernardo Arévalo de León as the country’s new president.

Spanish Royal Household

The trip was part of a busy agenda on foreign affairs for the king. He has welcomed a number of new ambassadors at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

King Felipe accepting Costa Rican ambassador to Spain Adriana Bolaños Argueta’s credentials. Spanish Royal Household

On Monday His Majesty met with Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde at the Zarzuela Royal Palace north of central Madrid.

Spanish Royal Household

Princess Attends First High Military Event

Spain’s Royal Family kicked off the new year’s agenda with the so-called Pascua Militar, a military event at the Madrid Royal Palace that coincides with the Epiphany holiday.

Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, made her first official appearance as heir to the throne after having turned 18 last year. She’s undergoing extensive military training.

This year’s event was most notable because of the princess’ presence. Royal watchers were also keen on observing the Queen’s mood.

Political opponents and other critics of both Their Majesties have been spreading claims of infidelity by the Queen more than a decade ago. Indeed, Queen Letizia was somber when the minister of defense praised her work.

King Felipe used his remarks to highlight the armed forces’ role in defense of democracy.

Spanish Royal Household

The government used the event to reiterate its call for a ceasefire in Israel and the protection of human rights.

King Stresses Constitutional Order

King Felipe focused on the Constitution in his traditional Christmas Eve address, perhaps the monarch’s most important of the year.

His Majesty, speaking from the Zarzuela Royal Palace, to the north of central Madrid, discussed broad economic and political issues, but — as years before — went deep on his vision of a Spain in which citizens set aside divisions and work together to solve common problems.

The remarks show Don Felipe’s continued concern about nationalist parties and leaders, particularly in Catalonia and the Basque Country.

The Spanish Constitution turned 45 in 2023. Also last year, Princess Leonor — heir to the throne — swore allegiance to the text upon turning 18. A picture of the event was behind the King during his message.

Later in December, before the new year, King Felipe held a swearing-in ceremony for new government ministers.

Spanish Royal Household

The first major event of the year on the royal calendar is the Pascua Militar, a military event at the Royal Palace in Madrid that coincides with the Epiphany holiday.

ICYM: King In Argentina For Milei Inauguration

King Felipe traveled to Argentina roughly a week ago to attend inauguration ceremonies for the country’s new president, Javier Milei, who’s rise to power has stunned observers.

Milei is an eccentric populist who has promised deep spending cuts and reforms to tackle inflation and make the country more competitive. He has acknowledged a painful transition.

Present at the ceremonies were several world leaders, including the heads of Chile, Ukraine and Hungary.

For decades, a senior member of the Royal Family has attended inauguration ceremonies at former Spanish colonies.

King Opens Parliament

King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor presided over the solemn opening of the Spanish Cortes Generales — the Congress of Deputies and the Senate — during a ceremony Wednesday.

His Majesty reminded lawmakers of their responsibility to always search for the common good for all Spaniards. He also praised the “political pluralism” represented.

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This was the first opening of parliament featuring Princess Leonor, who recently took an oath to the Constitution as heir to the throne.

King Prepares To Open Parliament

King Felipe and Queen Letizia will preside over the Solemn Opening of the Cortes Generales next week now that a new government has taken shape.

The solemn opening includes remarks from the King and the presence of parliamentarians and other high authorities. The Congress of the Deputies building in Madrid takes out a large canopy to receive the King and Queen with military honors.

Scenes from the 2020 opening of parliament. Spanish Royal Household

It took months for left-leaning political parties to form a coalition led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. It took a deal with Catalan nationalists to make it happen.

King Felipe tasked Sánchez with forming a government after the conservative Popular Party leader was unable to muster enough votes.

The prime minister and his Cabinet took their oath before the king in ceremonies at Zarzuela Palace in recent days.

Many smaller, leftist parties are expected to skip the ceremonies just like they did the recent gathering for Princess Leonor to take an oath to the Constitution.

Images: The Denmark State Visit

King Felipe and Queen Letizia met with Danish Queen Margarethe and other royals during a state visit to that country last week.

The trip started with an official departure ceremony at the Madrid airport’s Terminal of State. Their Majesties then attended a state dinner and met with Danish political and business leaders.

Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe has family ties to the Danish Royal Family, which is linked to the Greek Royal Family.

Princess Leonor Takes Constitutional Oath

Leonor, the Princess of Asturias and heir to the Spanish throne, turned 18 today and took an oath to the Constitution during a ceremony before parliamentarians in Madrid.

The princess, who is currently going through military training, has for years been preparing for a public role in support of the Crown. The oath was one of the most important steps in the process.

Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia accompanies the princess to the Congress of the Deputies and later to a reception at the Madrid Royal Palace.

There the King granted her the Collar of Charles III. He made his daughter a member of the Order of the Golden Fleece when she turned 10.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia did not attend the official ceremonies. They were scheduled to attend a family reception at the Royal Palace of El Pardo.

ICYM: Royals Honor Meryl Streep

Actress Meryl Street was the most high-profile winner at the Princess of Asturias Awards this year.

The Princess of Asturias Foundation held the ceremony in Oviedo in the Principality of Asturias earlier this month. It’s the most high-profile award given by the Spanish Royal Family.

In attendance at the Campoamor Theater were King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Queen Sofia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. Princess Leonor holds the Asturias title as heir to the Spanish throne.

Spanish Royal Household

Princess Leonor handed out the certificates herself. She is preparing to take an oath to Parliament upon turning 18.

Spanish Royal Household

Other winners included: Haruki Murakami in letters, Eliud Kipchoge in sport and Mary’s Meals in concord, among others.

Events related to the Princess of Asturias Awards last three days. There’s a concert the day before the awards presentation and a visit to an Asturian community the day after.

Princess Leonor Plays Key Role In Military Parade

Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, played a central role in last week’s military parade in Madrid to commemorate Spanish National Day.

Members of the Royal Family usually preside over the display through one of Madrid’s main avenues, plus a jet flyover, followed by a reception at the Royal Palace.

Princess Leonor, who is currently undergoing military training as heir to the throne, took a more prominent role in the ceremonies this year.

Spanish Royal Household

The Fiesta Nacional coincides with the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ first arrival in the Americas. Countries around the world celebrate Hispanic heritage around the same time.