Royals Mobilize After Valencia Floods

King Felipe and other members of the Spanish Royal Family scrambled to support rescue workers and residents responding to last week’s devastating floods in Valencia, which have killed hundreds of people.

His Majesty led a moment of silence during a meeting of Ibero-American leaders. Flags are also at half staff, including at the Zarzuela Royal Palace.

Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe also held a brief gaggle with members of the media, a very rare occurrence for a monarch.

The Royal Household this weekend posted notes in Spanish and English thanking the international community for their backing.

King Felipe has sent members of the Royal Guard to help with the recovery and is expected to visit the site on Sunday.

King Warns Against Polarization

King Felipe is expressing concern about political and ideological polarization as amid major election cycles around the globe.

His Majesty, speaking at the Princess of Asturias Awards, warned against the “grave risk of polarization and the rejection of others because of their beliefs.”  

Members of the Spanish Royal Family participated in several events throughout the week related to the awards, which are akin to the Nobel Prizes.

Queen Sofia, Princess Leonor, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia after the awards ceremony. Spanish Royal Household

Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, has been taken an increasingly public role as heir to the Spanish throne. She delivered remarks last week on her family and personal ties to the Principality of Asturias. Queen Letizia is from Asturias.

King Travels To Jordan

King Felipe was in Jordan earlier this month for an official visit to the Middle Eastern country as war escalates in the region.

Spanish Royal Household

His Majesty led a Spanish delegation in a meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah on issues dealing with terrorism and closer collaboration.

Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe visited Palestinian refugees as part of his trip. Spain is one of a handful of world powers to recognize a Palestinian state.

King Receives Palestinian Ambassador

King Felipe has officially received the Palestinian people’s ambassador to Spain during a ceremony at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Spain in recent months recognized Palestine as an independent nation-state. His Majesty this week accepted Husni Abdel Wahed’s credentials this week.

Spanish Royal Household

The ambassador has for years been head of the Palestinian delegation in Madrid. Spain’s recognition moved him up in official rank.

King Launches Fall Work Period

King Felipe and other members of the Spanish Royal Family have retaken their full public duties following the August vacation period.

His Majesty has been swearing in top officials, including a new governor for the Bank of Spain and a chair of the government body that oversees the judiciary.

King Felipe also appeared with Supreme Court justices, including María Isabel Perelló, new chair of the General Counsel for the Judicial Power.

Spanish Royal Household

His Majesty will be at the Madrid Royal Palace on Tuesday for a military event, the Royal Household said.

King Breaks Vacation For Dominican Republic Trip

King Felipe traveled to the Dominican Republican in mid-August — during the traditional vacation season — for President Luis Abinader’s second inauguration.

Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe later in August also participated in events surrounding the America’s Cup in Barcelona, including meeting with new Catalan President Salvador Illa, a unionist.

King Felipe aboard a hydrogen powered vessel. Spanish Royal Household

His Majesty also visited remodeled marina facilities in Barcelona.

Royals Summer In Mallorca, Focus On Olympics

Spain’s royals and other relatives have been making their presence felt in the island of Mallorca for the start of the summer vacation season.

Queen Sofia and her sister, Irene, are particularly fond of the island. King Felipe and Queen Letizia also make a point of at least spending some days there during the summer.

King Felipe with Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia during a reception with Balearic Island officials and leaders. Spanish Royal Household
King Felipe participating in the King’s Cup sailing tournament. Spanish Royal Household
King Felipe meeting with with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez at Almudaina Palace in Palma. Spanish Royal Household

Spain’s royals used to spend more time in Mallorca in years past, when King Juan Carlos was head of state. King Felipe and Queen Letizia prefer to take private vacations elsewhere after spending some time in Mallorca.

This year they have also been deeply involved in the Olympics, with the King and Queen and their daughters attending numerous games and meeting with Spanish athletes.

King Felipe in Paris. Spanish Royal Household

Royal Olympic Whirlwind

Members of the Spanish Royal Family descended on Paris last week to attend the Olympics opening ceremonies and several other events.

It follows King Felipe and his youngest daughter, Infanta Sofia, cheering Spain’s victory at the UEFA Euro 2024.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia at an event ahead of the opening ceremonies. Spanish Royal Household
King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the opening ceremonies. Spanish Royal Household
Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia during a tennis match in Paris. Spanish Royal Household

Soccer championship

King Felipe and Infanta Sofia were in Germany earlier this month for the UEFA Euro 2024 final between Spain and England.

Spanish Royal Household

King Felipe and Infanta Sofia were joined by Prince William and Prince George.

King Sends Letter To Donald Trump

King Felipe sent a letter to former U.S. President Donald Trump after the latter survived an assassination attempt Saturday.

The King expressed relief Trump’s injuries were minor and condemned violence, particularly directed at democratic values.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia visited Trump during his presidency. They were scheduled to attend a state visit but it was cancelled because of the pandemic.