Urdangarin Fails To Make Bail

Iñaki Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma and King Juan Carlos’ son-in-law, may have properties embargoed after failing to pay his part of 8.2 million in bail connected to the corruption investigation against him.

With the situation deteriorating, the community of Palma De Mallorca removed street signs in honor of the Duke and his wife, Infanta Cristina.

Meanwhile, other members of the Royal Family are working to continue their duties and show their worth to the Spanish people.

King Juan Carlos has been meeting with delegations at Zarzuela Palace. He also welcomed new ambassadors this week at the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Queen Sofia paid a visit to the National Center for Biotechnology this week, as well.

And Prince Felipe officially retired the Prince of Asturias aircraft carrier.

Prince Celebrates Spain

Prince Felipe celebrated Spain’s win this weekend at the Men’s World Handball Championship, where the team took on Denmark at Barcelona’s Palau Sant Jordi.

© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

Danish Princess Mary Donaldson joined the Prince during the game.

The Danish Royal Family has ties to the Spanish Royal Family, particularly through Queen Sofia, officially Queen Sofia of Greece and Denmark.

Queen Receives Award, Prince Welcomes DOD Secy.

This week the Broseta Foundation awarded Queen Sofia its prize for coexistence. The group touted her social welfare efforts, her support for Democracy and her work for the development of Spain.

Valencian Community President Alberto Fabra presented Her Majesty with the award at the government palace, the Palau de la Generalitat.

King Juan Carlos received the same award in 2007. It’s named after a Spanish law professor who was murdered by Basque separatists.

Also this week, Prince Felipe received U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. He’s touting Europe as he prepares to leave the Pentagon.

Members of the Royal Family have been extremely busy over the last several weeks, perhaps in an effort to increase their profile.

20120117 audiencia candidatura madrid 2020 02 — Prince Felipe reviews documents for Madrid’s candidacy to host the 2020 Olympic Games.

The public agenda shows numerous meetings, several a day in some cases, with social welfare organizations and business groups, among others.

Prince Felipe Presides Over Military Funeral

Prince Felipe yesterday presided over the funeral of Sgt. David Fernández Ureña, a Spanish soldier who died in Afghanistan last Friday.

Media reports indicate that the Spanish Army service member was trying to neutralize an explosive when he died.

The funeral was held at a military facility in Zaragoza.

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.

King To Leave Hospital Today, Prince Visits Mexico

Doctors have given King Juan Carlos the all-clear to leave the hospital today after recovering from hip surgery, one of several in recent years. His Majesty will be less visible in the coming days because of ongoing recovery.

Meanwhile, this weekend Prince Felipe traveled to Mexico to attend the installation ceremonies for the country’s new President Enrique Peña Nieto and meet with outgoing President Felipe Calderón.

The Prince of Asturias is, by Royal Decree, Spain’s official representative at the swearings-in of Ibero-American leaders.

Prince Felipe with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. © Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos — Prince Felipe with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden at the ceremony.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

While in Mexico, Prince Felipe also met with local leaders and inaugurated a branch of the Fundación José Ortega y Gasset-Gregorio Marañón at Mexico’s Universidad Autónoma.

The foundation has several branches around the world. It honors well known Spanish scholars and is dedicated ti study and research in the field of humanities.

Future King Promises Fathful Service

Prince Felipe expressed his commitment to the Spanish people and the country’s recovery from an ongoing bitter recession and sky high unemployment.

The heir to the Spanish throne made his comments during the Prince of Asturias Awards ceremony last week in Oviedo in the Principality of Asturias, located in the norther part of the country.

20121026_vistamesapresidencial — Head table at Campoamor Theater.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

The Prince and his wife, Princess Letizia, who actually hails from Asturias, met with local leaders and award recipients at the Reconquista Hotel the evening before Friday’s awards ceremony.

During his keynote address the Prince said he carries out his responsibilities with “pride and confidence in Spain’s future.” He said every Spaniard, including himself, needed to give their all to help the nation recover.

20121026_palcoreina — Queen Sofia at the awards ceremony.

The awards, hosted by the Prince of Asturias Foundation, have grown in international prestige. Winners included the Federation of Spanish Food Banks, the Red Cross, and soccer stars Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernández.

20121026_salidateatro — © Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

On Saturday, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia made their way to the community of Bueño, which received an award for its efforts at promoting quality of life, and historic and natural preservation.

Prince of Asturias and Girona are official titles for the heir to the Spanish throne. Among the King’s numerous titles is Count of Barcelona.

Prince Felipe, Princess Letizia Attend Royal Wedding

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were in Luxembourg this weekend attending the wedding of Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg and Belgian Countess Stephanie de Lannoy.

Their Royal Highnesses joined royals from around the world, including Japan. The wedding is being called the most significant royal event in Luxembourg in three decades.

Prince Felipe Takes To The Streets

Members of the Royal Family stunned crowds today by deploying at different locations around Madrid.

Queen Sofia, Princess Letizia and Infanta Elena helped take donations for the Spanish Red Cross at various points in the city.

Prince Felipe, in a move that wowed many observers, walked around Madrid visiting his relatives and making a contribution.

The so-called Day of Flags is a top fundraiser for the Spanish Red Cross.

20121010_mesa_cuestacion_rna2 — Queen Sofia and her son Prince Felipe at the head table.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey / Borja Fotógrafos

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.