Balearic Island anti-corruption prosecutors will present their findings next month related to corruption allegations against Infanta Cristina’s husband Iñaki Urdangarin, the Duke of Palma, according toEl País.
Officials allege that the Duke and his business partner embezzled public funds through their Nóos Institute, a non-profit group.
Last month local media reported that Urdangarin had signed a new work contract with Spanish multinational Telefónica. He will receive almost 3 million euro in compensation.
King Juan Carlos attended a bullfight last week to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the 1812 Constitution, Spain’s first attempt at Democratic government.
Don Juan Carlos traveled to the Port of Santa María in Cádiz for the bullfight. The region will play host to the 22nd Ibero-American Summit later this year.
The leaders of Spain’s two main labor unions — the Unión General de Trabajadores and Comisiones Obreras — met with King Juan Carlos today amid the nation’s ongoing economic turmoil.
The leaders expressed their opposition to a recent flurry of budget cuts, which they say are hurting workers and the needy.
The King has spoken in favor of European cooperation and integration. However, he has stressed the need for a balanced approach to dealing with the debt crisis.
The labor leaders expressed their discomfort with further EU intervention in Spain’s economy, which may come with painful strings attached.
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.
Also, in a change of events, Infanta Cristina and her children will join Infanta Elena and Queen Sofia on vacation at Marivent Palace in Palma De Mallorca. Media reports have indicated that the Queen wanted the family together for at least part of the summer.
Infanta Cristina’s husband, Duke of Palma Iñaki Urdangarin, who is under investigation for corruption allegations, is not expected to attend. The Royal Family has been keeping him at a distance.
The Royal Household announced that King Juan Carlos will meet with Balearic officials and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during his own visit to Marivent Palace. Media reports also indicate that Queen Sofia will attend the opening of the London Olympics by herself.
Prince Felipe will be on hand for the awards ceremony of the annual King’s Cup regatta in Mallorca. He will also preside over a meeting of foreign ministers at Almudaina Palace, also in Mallorca, to discuss the future of Europe.
King Juan Carlos meeting with King’s Cup organizers at Zarzuela Palace last week.
Tomorrow King Juan Carlos leaves for a trip to Russia.
King Juan Carlos called upon government ministers, including Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, to inform him about the economic situation and crisis measures.
During the meeting, the King said Spain was “a mature society that knows how to respond with responsibility, solidarity, maturity and a spirit of sacrifice to pressing circumstances.”
He expressed his concern for disappointed young people looking for work and said economic recovery must spare nobody. He added that Spain “does not lack experience nor examples of resilience.”
King Juan Carlos greets government Vice President Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría.
The King has convened the Council of Ministers a dozen times since the 1978 constitution, the Royal Household said.
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia hosted events together this week. The media, especially international outlets, have talked about possible troubles in their relationship. And the busy agenda has kept them apart in recent days, at least in public.
Today Their Majesties received leaders and students of United World Colleges, a global organization designed to promote peace and understanding through multicultural education.
The King and Queen are high patrons of the foundation in Spain. They were joined by the head of the Spanish chapter of the foundation, the King’s cousin, His Royal Highness Infante Don Carlos de Borbón-Dos Sicilias.
Earlier this week, Their Majesties met with participants of this year’s Ruta Quetzal. Sponsored by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, the program takes outstanding young people from several countries on an expedition.
King Juan Carlos and other members of the Royal Family welcomed the Spanish football team after their UEFA Euro 2012 tournament win in Ukraine yesterday.
“With work, you achieve results,” the King told team members, as he congratulated them on behalf of the country. Captain Iker Casillas then gave the King a team jersey with the number 1 on the back.
Princess Letizia, her daughters and Infanta Elena were also at the palace for the event. Click here for video from Spanish Television.
Spain’s victory makes them, according to one analyst, “the most accomplished international soccer team of all time.” The Spanish team now has two recent wins in Europe and the World Cup.
Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia visited New York, New Jersey and Boston last week to call for stronger ties between the U.S. and Europe, and highlight the importance of Spain in American history and its future.
The week ended on a high note with an appearance with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the end of the United States – Spain Council’s forum in Jersey City.
Their Royal Highneses met with Hispanic luminaries, Spanish business officials and other leaders, including the heads of media giants Telemundo and Univision, to boost Spain’s image in the U.S. and relations between both countries, which took a hit during the debate over the war in Iraq.
Post-Franco Spain has sought to boost its influence in the world, with a focus on Latin America. It appears the Royal Family and other leaders hope to make further inroads in the U.S. through the growing influence of Hispanics.
During a speech at Harvard University in Boston titled “Spain: An American Nation” as in other events throughout the week, Prince Felipe highlighted the common histories between Spain and the U.S., and the growth of Hispanic economic, linguistic and cultural influence.
“I see Spain not only as a European, Mediterranean or American country, but one with universal reach,” he said. “The Spanish Monarchy,” he added, “remains profoundly committed to the cause of Democracy in Latin America.”
LOS BORBONES 