Don Felipe, who carried the Spanish flag during the opening ceremonies in 1992, said participants “represented all we are and all that we can achieve together.”
The King also met with Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, known for her left leaning views but also her discomfort with independence.
It should not come as a surprise that Queen Sofia, a big sports fan and a booster of Spanish athletes, took some time to see Rafael Nadal win the US Open.
Don Felipe, and his wife, Princess Letizia, were in Buenos Aires lobbying for the city’s bid, along with other officials, including Government President Mariano Rajoy.
The Prince is said to have impressed delegates with his use of French, English and Spanish to answer questions about Madrid’s preparedness.
In the end, the Prince of Asturias said he understood the “sadness from the people of Madrid and all of Spain.” He said, “This is a competition that we were not able to win.”
Queen Sofia, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia and Infanta Elena welcomed International Olympic Committee representatives at the Royal Palace last week.
They were hoping to impress the Evaluation Commission for Madrid’s candidacy to host the games in 2020.
In the days leading up to yesterday’s festivities, the Prince and Princess of Asturias joined Queen Sofia in visiting Spanish athletes, touring the campus and speaking with journalists.
In an embarrassing moment that is making worldwide news, Olympics staff members refused the Royal Family entry to a restricted section at one of the venues. They wanted to greet Nico Garcia for a silver medal in Taekwondo.
Yesterday, the Queen presided over a reception at the Spanish Embassy in London, where she was accompanied by King Juan Carlos’ sister, Infanta Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz.
King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia and other members of the Royal Family hosted several members of the Spanish Olympic delegation before their departure for London.
The King recalled the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the strength of Spanish teams.
During a speech at El Pardo Palace near his own residence at Zarzuela, King Juan Carlos told the athletes that qualifying alone was a great accomplishment.
“Yours is a great responsibility and I am sure you will rise to it,” said His Majesty.
Members of the Royal Family are wrapping up their official agenda before heading to Marivent Palace in Mallorca for vacations.
Prince Felipe with European foreign ministers in the Almudaina Palace in Mallorca last week.
Even though other commitments kept the family away from the King’s Cup regatta in Mallorca, which was held earlier than usual this year because of the Olympics, Prince Felipe’s presence at the awards ceremony added a sense of normalcy to the event, Hola noted.
LOS BORBONES 