King Meets With French President Macron

King Felipe met late last week with French President Emmanual Macron at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

macron_escaleras — © Spanish Royal Household

The French leader was in the Spanish capital to also meet with new Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to discuss, among other things, EU immigration policy.

His Majesty this month also met with Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno, whose trip to Europe has sparked debate about the fate of Wikileaks leader Julian Assange, who has been holed up at Ecuador’s British embassy for years.

The King had an audience with the new head of Spain’s conservative Popular Party, Pablo Casado, also in recent days.

The full agenda preceded vacation season in Spain. Members of the Royal Family will spent at least some time at Marivent Palace in Mallorca.

However, scandal surrounding King Juan Carlos and a former friend, has upended plans for a unified getaway.

The Royal Household is blaming a minor health problem for King Felipe’s father staying away from Mallorca and planned sailing.

Prince and Princess Complete Successful Trip

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia completed another successful trip to Latin America last week, with stops in Panama and Ecuador.

20121003_encuentro_panama_1 — Las Garzas Presidential Palace.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

The Prince and Princess of Asturias met with Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli and his wife Marta Linares de Martinelli. They also attended a gathering of Spanish businesses in Panama.

Their Royal Highnesses highlighted the significant economic bonds between both countries, including Spanish firms participating in the expansion of the Panama Canal and a transit project.

20121004_canal2 — At the Panama Canal zone.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Don Felipe and his wife then made their first visit together to Ecuador where the Prince met with President Rafael Correa.

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.