Royal Whirlwind, Prince In New York, King Near Gibraltar

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia arrived in the U.S. yesterday and visited IESE Business School’s campus in New York today.

20120620_global_business_colloquium_iese_01 — Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Like his father, Prince Felipe spoke about Spain’s ongoing economic troubles. He touted recent reforms and called for “more Europe” to solve the continental crisis. He said the monetary union was “weak” and suggested the need for a stronger pact.

Their Royal Highnesses participated in a business colloquium and met with students on campus. IESE is an outpost of the University of Navarra and the first European business school to set up a permanent facility in New York.

The Prince and Princess of Asturias are also scheduled to visit Harvard University this week.

20120618_marruecos_1 — © Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Just yesterday, Prince Felipe was in Morocco. He met with Prince Moulay Rachid and business leaders from both countries.

20120620_guardia_civil_algeciras_01 — © Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Meanwhile, King Juan Carlos visited Civil Guard facilities near Gibraltar, as scheduled.

Some critics in that British outpost are calling to Monarch’s visit as a hostile act. Fishermen wanting access to disputed waters are calling on the King to intervene on their behalf. Spanish forces have already escorted them on fishing trips.

Queen Sofia is holding down the fort in Madrid. She presided over a meeting of the Royal Patronage for Disabilities and assisted an event organized by the Indian Embassy. She went with her sister Princess Irene.

20120619_india_3 — Queen Sofia with the Indian ambassador to Spain.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Prince, Princess To Visit U.S., King To Venture Near Gibraltar

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia will visit the U.S. next week to reinforce bilateral relations.

The Prince and Princess of Asturias will visit New York and Boston, including Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. They will meet Spanish business leaders and hold discussions about American relations with the Iberoamerican world.

Príncipes_de_Asturias — Prince and Princess of Asturias

Princess Letizia also plans to visit an elementary school to promote the Spanish language.

A trip to Washington, however, does not appear on the calendar.

Juan_Carlos_2004 — King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia

Also next week, King Juan Carlos will visit Civil Guard installations in Algeciras near Gibraltar. The visit has broader political implications with Spain calling for talks with the United Kingdom on Gibraltar’s political status and a dispute over fishing rights in the area.

Later this summer members of the Royal Family will rest at Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca. However, the Duke and Duchess of Palma won’t be there, according to media reports. The Duke Iñaki Urdangarin remains under investigation for corruption allegations.

Queen Sofia Cancels Trip Over Gibraltar

Queen Sofia has cancelled a planned trip to London on Friday because of tensions between the Spanish and British governments over the disputed colony of Gibraltar, media reports indicate.

Specifically, the Spanish government has expressed displeasure over British Prince Edward’s visit to Gibraltar to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee. Queen Sofia’s visit to England was also connected to the celebrations.

20120504_634717371143071744w — Queen Sofia.
© Agencia EFE

Both Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos have family and friendship ties to Queen Elizabeth. Also, Queen Sofia’s brother, former Greek King Constantine, is Prince William’s Godfather.