On January 24, 2012, Their Majesties King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias participated in a reception to welcome members of the diplomatic corps in Spain held at the royal palace in Madrid.  Also in attendance were Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel García-Margallo and many others.

During the reception, held in the Throne Room, His Majesty King Juan Carlos I gave a speech regarding the economic crisis in Europe stating:

…the international economic crisis overcoming demand promote the opening up of economies and trade.  To do this Spain is prepared to continue filling up with economic content excellent relations with all the countries you represent.  Spain is today a world leader in sectors such as the infrastructures, civil engineering, telecommunications and renewable energy.

With regards to the European Union and the crisis affecting the Euro His Majesty noted:

Spain believes that the solution of the problems that affect the Union only can come from the strengthening of economic governance, fiscal discipline, the coordination of economic policies, structural reforms and the instruments of financial stabilization, we return to the path of economic growth and job creation.

His Majesty also discussed the importance of strengthening ties with Latin America and Asia as well.

To watch videos as well as to view photos from today’s reception please click the links below:

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Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

On January 20, 2012, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias attended the yearbook presentation of the Internacionalización de la Empresa Española (Internationalization of Spanish Business) in Madrid, Spain. During the event, the heir to the Spanish throne spoke about “…the urgent need to create jobs to ensure a better future for young people.”

Click here to watch a video news clip. 

Source and photo courtesy of CDSMER

On January 19, 2012, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias visited the exhibition commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Radio Nacional de España in Madrid. Upon their arrival the royal couple were greeted by the President of the Congress of Deputies, Jesús Posada, Secretary of State for Communication, Carmen Martínez Castro, and the director of RNE, Moreno Benigno to name a few.

During their tour of the exhibition the prince and princess stared at some pretty cool radio equipment and mingled with their hosts.

And, that’s it.   🙂

To view photos please click the links below:

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Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

On January 18, 2012, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias attended the opening of the 32nd Annual Fitur: The International Tourism Fair in Madrid, Spain.

The royal couple were accompanied by the Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, José Manuel Soria, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Antonio Tajani, the Government of the Canary Islands, Paulino Rivero and others.

During their visit the prince and princess toured various exhibitors representing various parts of Spain as well as exhibitors from Portugal, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Brazil, Morocco, Japan, France, and Argentina to name a few.

To learn more about Fitur: The International Tourism Fair please visit their official website here. 

To view photos please click here.

Click here to watch a video. 

Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

On January 16, 2012, His Majesty King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia of Spain along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias welcomed French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.

During the visit President Sarkozy was awarded Spain’s highest honor, The Order of the Golden Fleece, for his “…cooperation in the fight against the armed Basque separatist group ETA.”  During the ceremony President Sarkozy gave a speech in which he stated:

I convey my pride and that of all France, for having been in recent years, with the Spanish people to defend the rule of law against terrorism and to eradicate the blackmail, extortion, assault and murder. In this moment, my thoughts turn to the many victims of decades of violence. Thinking the first to them, is what I wanted-all the French Government to spare no effort in helping Spain to permanently close the bloody chapter of terrorism ETA.

I want to reassure you, Majesty, and the President Mariano Rajoy, the total commitment, consistent and seamless, of France with Spain in the fight against terrorism in all its forms. There are no more Pyrenees in the fight against terrorism. On both sides of our border is a single determination and the same objective: to put a definitive end to the senseless violence.

For his part, His Majesty stressed that “…we are committed to Europe and we are very aware of the fundamental importance of Franco-Spanish cooperation in the project of European integration in all its facets and dimensions.” 

His Majesty also noted that President Sarkozy and France, in its relationship with Spain, has “…consistently contributed, effective and generous to fight terrorism while taking victims as North and the end of your solidarity which leads to a strong and effective partnership the largest political, judicial and police between our two countries to end terrorist violence.” As a Knight of the Golden Fleece, “…we recognize as the most representative of a great nation and neighboring friend who has ceaselessly promoted closer ties between our two countries in all fields.” 

Prior to the presentation of the Order of the Golden Fleece, His Majesty King Juan Carlos I held a private meeting with President Sarkozy.  Later in the afternoon, His Majesty and Queen Sofia of Spain along with Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia hosted a luncheon in honor of President Sarkozy.

To watch a video as well as to view photos please click the links below:

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Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

On January 12, 2012, His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias visited Honduras as part of his official tour of Central America.

In the morning, the heir to the Spanish throne attended the presentation of the Foundation Miguel de Cervantes Virtual Library held at the Cultural Center of Spain in Tegucigalpa. Later he attended a private meeting with the speaker of the Honduran Parliament, Juan Orlando Hernandez.  The prince also met with other members of government at the National Congress building in Tegucigalpa.

On January 13, 2012, Prince Felipe will visit Guatemala where he will attend the inauguration of president-elect, Otto Pérez Molina.

Photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

On January 11, 2012, Her Royal Highness Princess Letizia of Asturias attended the 35th Salon del Libro Infantil y Juvenil held at the Galileo Cultural Center of Madrid.

During her visit the princess participated in a meeting with experts in the field of children’s literature, toured the facility’s extensive library as well as met with the dozens of youth participating in today’s event.

To watch a video as well as to view photos please click the links below:

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Source and photo courtesy of Casa de Su Majestad el Rey