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.

Spanish Royal Household

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.

Princess Leonor Takes Flag Oath

Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, swore allegiance to the flag during a ceremony at the Zaragoza Military Academy this weekend.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia were on hand to witness the occasion. It’s all part of the princess’ preparation to become head of state.

Spanish Royal Household

Princess Leonor is scheduled to take an oath as heir before Spanish lawmakers later this month.

King Condemns Attack On Israel

King Felipe this weekend condemned militant attacks against Israel Saturday, in a move that has escalated into a broader Middle East conflict.

His Majesty, during remarks in Bilbao, said he repudiated the attacks “with all firmness,” called on the return of hostages and for the end of human suffering in the region.

Spanish Royal Household

One of the titles that has been historically associated with the Spanish Crown is that of king of Jerusalem. It’s a title that dates back to the crusades.

Princess Leonor To Take Constitutional Oath

Leonor, the Princess of Asturias, will take an oath to the Constitution in October as heir to the Spanish throne.

The princess, who will turn 18 on October 31, is beginning several years of military training as part of her preparation to become monarch.

The Spanish Royal Household in recent days released images of Her Royal Highness at the Zaragoza Military Academy.

Princess Leonor’s father, King Felipe, took the oath before lawmakers in 1986. The ceremony also happened upon his turning 18.

The Spanish Cortes Generales — the Congress and Senate — are preparing for Princess Leonor’s oath as lawmakers struggle to form a government after inconclusive elections.

King Juan Carlos, Princess Leonor’s grandfather, will not be at the official ceremonies, including a reception at the Madrid Royal Palace, but will attend a family gathering at the Royal Palace of El Pardo.