Royals Woo Catalonia (Updated)

Amid pro-independence rumblings in the Spanish Autonomous Community of Catalonia, Prince Felipe of Asturias over the weekend presided over a dinner with business and regional leaders at Albéniz Palace in Barcelona, the King’s official residence in the city.

At Albéniz Palace, royal residence owned by the Catalan government.
© Casa de S.M. el rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Prince Felipe, who was in town for the eve of the 2014 Mobile World Congress, alluded to Catalonia’s importance within Spain.

He spoke of Barcelona as the “beloved and dynamic capital of Catalonia,” and made remarks in Spanish, English and Catalan.

His Royal Highness also met with Catalan President Artur Mas, who is calling for a referendum on independence and, during his own remarks, highlighted Catalonia’s own strengths.

On Monday Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia walked the convention floor. One of their meetings was with Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg.

Things got tougher later in the week when a Catalan businessman refused to shake the Prince’s hand.

Don Felipe pressed the issue with Alex Fenoll, who kept refusing. A video of the incident has gone viral.

Media reports also indicate that other business leaders in Catalonia expressed concerns about the lack of dialogue between Barcelona and Madrid during what has become a political stalemate.

Other Agenda Items

Among numerous royal agenda items in recent weeks, today Queen Sofia visited the Spanish National Ballet and the National Dance Company. Her Majesty is known for her attachment to classical arts.

Earlier this month King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were in Portugal meeting with Portuguese and Italian leaders in Lisbon to promote regional economic development.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia with Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, su esposa, Maria Alves da Silva, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and their wives. © Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos — King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia with Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, and their wives.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

King Stresses Unity, Welcomes Change In Christmas Message

King Juan Carlos called for unity during his customary Christmas message amid efforts by Catalan separatists to increase the region’s autonomy or become independent.

The King said the Constitution of 1978 has provided the country with its most stable period of liberty, something citizens must recognize.

At the same time, he appeared to empathize with those who believe more changes are necessary.

“I am convinced that all these questions can be resolved with realism, effort, the rule of law and the generosity of political and social forces,” said the King.

Talking about the restoration of Democracy and the current Constitutional order, His Majesty said, “Highlighting this historical achievement is not incompatible with recognizing, as I have just said, with the need to improve many aspects of the quality of our Democracy.”

He went on, “The Crown promotes and welcomes this national model. It believes in a free, fair and united country within its diversity. It believes in an open Spain where we all fit. And it believes in the Spain that we must all continue building.”

Don Juan Carlos also took time to recognize the ongoing economic crisis, note those who have left to work abroad, and the extended families who are pooling their resources to make ends meet.

King Meets With Now Separatist Leader

King Juan Carlos met this week with Catalonian President Artur Mas, who is pursuing a referendum on whether to declare independence from Spain.

Little news came of the highly anticipated meeting, where Mas was to present the King with his plans. Don Juan Carlos has spoken out against pro-sovereignty moves.

Media sources noted that the King was serious when receiving the autonomic leader. The two spoke for about 45 minutes.

A Tough Encounter

Prince Felipe of Asturias and Girona was in Catalonia today, including Girona, inaugurating the new high speed train connection with France.

The event was much anticipated because it was a chance for the Prince and Spanish Government President Mariano Rajoy to meet with Catalonian president Artur Mas, who has been on an increasingly deepening quest for independence.

Central government representatives used the event to highlight the importance of Catalonia within Spain, and show the train as an investment in the region.

But local officials said it was too little, too late.

Military On Sidelines Of Pro-Independence Controversy

Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenés alluded to the military’s role amid pro-independence rumblings in Catalonia, saying the armed forces will not respond to provocations and will quietly perform their duty.

The comments are an allusion to concerns that the military may want to violate Democrats institutions and get involved in any political crisis, or prevent secession.

The remarks were part of the “Pascua Militar,” an annual event at the Royal Palace in Madrid where the Royal Family and Spain’s leadership recognize military accomplishments and talk about priorities.

Throne Room at the Royal Palace in Madrid.© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos — Throne Room at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

King Juan Carlos thanked members of the armed forces for their work at home, including helping with recent fires, and abroad, including service in Afghanistan. He said the military was also part of improving the country’s economy.

King Juan Carlos Won’t Abdicate, Shuns Catalonian Independence

King Juan Carlos rejected any suggestion of possible abdication during an interview on Spanish Television tonight marking his 75th birthday tomorrow.

The King said, “I am doing well and wish to continue” with the duties of Head of State.

Asked about his legacy, His Majesty said,” I don’t like to talk about myself.” But expressed pride in having helped unite “all Spaniards” and accomplished his duty to restore Democracy and the Crown.

392px-President_Reagan_and_Mrs._Reagan_greet_King_Juan_Carlos_I_and_Queen_Sophia_of_Spain_1981 — King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia with U.S. President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Of course, Spain remains divided, especially with regions like Catalonia discussing whether to seek independence. The King reiterated his distaste for the politics of “intransigence” and division.

He called the current generation one “of liberty,” but said Spain still had to work on becoming a more equal and fair society. He wants the country to be united behind “one future and one idea.”

“To me it hurts me a lot,” the King said about people having to leave Spain to find work amid a tough recession.

King Juan Carlos' father, the Count of Barcelona, resigns any claims to the throne, allowing his son to follow Gen. Franco as Head of State. The King's mother Princess María de las Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies in yellow. © Agencia EFE — King Juan Carlos’ father, the Count of Barcelona, resigns in 1977 any claims to the throne, allowing his son to follow Gen. Franco as Head of State. The King’s mother Princess María de las Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies in yellow.
© Agencia EFE

Don Juan Carlos has been King since 1975. “More that satisfied I feel fortunate,” he said.

On the day of King's proclamation. © Agencia EFE — On the day of King’s proclamation.
© Agencia EFE

The interview was never expected to generate controversy of bring about tough questions. Still, commentators quickly said it could have been less formal, allowing for the King’s jovial personality to come through.

Click here to watch the interview.

King Juan Carlos Calls For Unity

King Juan Carlos called for unity and confidence during his Christmas Eve message, an annual tradition that allows the Monarch to speak at length about ongoing problems.

This year’s speech from his office at Zarzuela Palace was notable because it comes amid a secessionist push in Catalonia, ongoing Basque nationalism and a troubled economy.

It’s also the first year the King’s Christmas message is broadcast on YouTube and available in the different languages under the Spanish Crown.

The King said these were “among the toughest moments in recent Spanish history.” Speaking about the economy and politics, he said, “We cannot ignore than pessimism exists.”

Amid ongoing concerns about layoffs and spending cuts, the King said, “Austerity and growth must be compatible.”

Recalling the many tough times lived by Spaniards in the past, he added, “The first stimulus that will get us out of this crisis is confidence.”

© Casa de Su Majestad el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

His Majesty, treading carefully around the secession issue, he called on politicians to seek policies that unite rather than divide.

Amid concerns about the viability of the Spanish state as it currently stands, King Juan Carlos called Spain a “great nation” that must be part of global solution to economic and social concerns.

The King recognized the plurality of languages, cultures and traditions that have coexisted within Spain for centuries.

“Its necessary to promote values like mutual respect and reciprocal loyalty,” he said, hoping that politicians “do what’s possible to close open wounds.”

Catalonian Republicans and separatists said they wanted more unity, but within Europe and not the Spanish state.

Some who support a unified Spain said the King was not forceful enough in discouraging regional nationalism.

In a recent open letter addressing Catalonian separatism, King Juan Carlos said it was not the time to pursue chimeras.

Politics Surrounds Hispanic Day

Politics and Spain’s tough economic situation surrounded the annual Fiesta Nacional in Madrid today.

The celebrations, including a military parade, cost a fraction of what it did in previous years in keeping with times of austerity.

fiesta_nacional_1 — © Casa S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

King Juan Carlos was seen chatting with Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during the parade. Media outlets are reporting that the King criticized the education minister’s comments in favor of making Catalonian children more Spanish.

Amid talks of independence in that autonomous community, Prince Felipe told journalists that he is not worried about Catalonia and that the Crown would continue its commitment to all Spaniards.

At the Royal Palace, however, King Juan Carlos joked with journalists instead of talking about the Catalonian situation.

fiesta_nacional_4 — Throne Room, Royal Palace.
© Casa S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Also of note, Infanta Elena was not with other members of the Royal Family during many of the ceremonies.

The Royal Household told media outlets that only the the King, Queen and the heirs to the throne would be included in the main stand from now on.

“The time had to come,” Infanta Elena told reporters. She will continue to represent the Royal Family at official events.

The Infantas have usually been close to their father during important events, but things have changed amid Infanta Cristina’s absence from the family’s public affairs because of her husband’s corruption probe.

Presidents Gather Amid Economic, Social Pressures

King Juan Carlos and Prince Felipe of Asturias met with leaders of Spain’s autonomous communities at the Spanish Senate building today.

The meeting, of course also attended by Spanish government leaders, including Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, was especially important because of disagreements about the Spanish budget, funding for the country’s region’s and pro-independence rumblings in Catalonia.

Gathering in front of the Spanish Senate building in Madrid.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Elsewhere in Madrid, King Juan Carlos gave Nueva Economía Fórum awards to Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Portuguese President Aníbal António Cavaco Silva, both on behalf of their respective countries.

The Fórum facilitates debate between social, business and political leaders. President Napolitano also met with the King at Zarzuela Palace.

20121002_nueva_economia_forum4 — King Juan Carlos at the head table.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia then rushed to the airport for their official visit to Panama. Their agenda includes a visit to the Panama Canal expansion project.

20121002_panama_despedida — Barajas Airport.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Their Royal Highnesses will also visit Ecuador during their time in Latin America.

King Meets With Catalonian Leader

King Juan Carlos met with Catalonian President Artur Mas during the Monarch’s trip to Barcelona today.

It was a much anticipated — and in some quarters dreaded — meeting between both men. It comes amid Mas calling for early elections in the Autonomous Community of Catalonia and fanning pro-independence flames.

20120925_f_conde_barcelona_2 — King Juan Carlos with Mas sitting to his right.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

The King traveled to the Catalonian capital to hand out the Count of Barcelona award to Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. Count of Barcelona is one of King Juan Carlos’ titles.

His Majesty, who had already released an open letter calling for unity among all Spaniards, expressed optimism about the country’s economic future.

He called the economic and political situation “grave” but said Catalonians and all Spaniards “are capable of overcoming these circumstances.” He also spoke in catalán for good measure.

Earlier this week the King was in New York attending the annual meeting of former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s Global Initiative, where he met with other heads of state and world leaders.

20120923_EEUU_Rey_05 — King Juan Carlos speaks with former President Bill Clinton.

Meanwhile, members of the Royal Family have resumed a busy agenda. Today, for example, Queen Sofia attended a gathering of backers of the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.