On October 7, 2011, T.R.H.s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias were at the port of Alicante, Spain to visit the “…Volvo Ocean Race 2011-12 fleet prior to the start of the Alicante qualifying race…”  There was also a christening ceremony whereupon H.R.H. Princess Letizia became the godmother of the team, Telefónica.

Per the official website for the royal house of Spain, Casa de Su Majestad el Rey:

…during the christening ceremony, Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were accompanied by the local dignitaries as well as others in the sailing world.  After a working meeting on the issues of craft technology and the impact economically in the region associated with holding the Volvo Ocean Race…

To read the rest of the article from Casa de Su Majestad el Rey as well as to view photos please click the links below:

• Gallery One 
• Article in Spanish with Photos 
• Article with Photos
  

Photo courtesy of: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

In Córdoba, Spain, T.R.H.s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias attended a luncheon in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Foundation for Young Artists of the Antonino Gala.

Per the official website for the royal house of Spain, Casa de Su Majestad el Rey:

Previously, the Prince of Asturias had inaugurated the Professional Training Course in IES 2011/2012 “Angel de Saavedra” of Cordoba.

Accompanying Their Royal Highnesses and Antonio Gala at lunch, in addition to members of the Board and residents of the Foundation, the president of the Junta de Andalucía, José Antonio Griñán, Minister of Education, Ángel Gabilondo, and the Minister of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, Rosa Aguilar, among others.

During his visit to the headquarters of the Foundation, the Prince had a chance to tour the exhibition. Anthology of young artists Antonio Gala Foundation.”

Antonio Gala Foundation for Young Artists is a private non-profit. Is funded by the economic cooperation of private entities, among which we should mention the Savings and Monte de Piedad Cordoba (CajaSur), which has an agreement of collaboration with Antonio Gala Foundation through its Foundation. The state government, regional and provincial levels have also supported various programs and activities of the Foundation Antonio Gala, awarding grants to these activities. Many individuals have also collaborated with Antonio Gala Foundation through financial donations. source

This afternoon, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia were in Santander to attend the opening of the 25th Annual Meeting of the Telecommunications.   During the event, Prince Felipe gave a speech about information and communication… it fascinating to say the least.

Any who…

Unfortunately, I don’t have time right now to translate the official report from Casa de Su Majestad El Rey (royal house of Spain), but if you can read Spanish click here. 

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

• Photos with an article 
• Video 

On June 9, 2011, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Asturias held a meeting at El Pardo Palace in Madrid, Spain with the Board of Trustees from the Principe de Asturias Foundation.

According to the official website for the royal house of Spain, Casa de Su Majestad El Rey:

The Principe de Asturias Foundation was incorporated on September 24, 1980 in Oviedo, in a ceremony presided over by His Royal Highness the Prince of Asturias, who was accompanied by Their Majesties. Its primary objectives are to strengthen the links between the Principality and the Prince of Asturias, and contribute to the glorification and promotion of those values ​​scientific, cultural and humanistic values ​​universal heritage.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Asturias boasts its honorary president, while the vice president of honor is occupied by the President of the Principality of Asturias. Every year since 1981, grants the Prince of Asturias Award for distinguished scientific, technical, cultural, social and humanistic work performed by individuals, groups or institutions working internationally in the following eight categories: Communication and Humanities Social Sciences, Arts, Literature, Technical and Scientific Research, International Cooperation, Harmony and Sports.

As an entity totally private and nonprofit, the institution thrives on income from their assets and grants and donations they make every year, both members of their boards, as individuals or organizations that collaborate with it regular or circumstantially.

To learn more about the Principe de Asturias Foundation please click the link here.  To view photos from the event please click the link here.

Source:  Casareal.es

Photos courtesy of: Daylife Carlos Alvarez/Gettyimages

 On Wednesday May 11, 2011, two devastating earthquakes — one measuring a 4.4, the other a 5.1 on the Richter scale —  struck Lorca, Spain just 3 hours south of Valencia. These devastating quakes left nine dead, hundreds injured, and many buildings as well as homes in shambles.  This afternoon, there was a funeral Mass for those who lost their lives and on hand to support and comfort the families who lost loved ones were the Prince and Princess of Asturias.

According to CBS News, T.R.H.’s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia:

… sought Friday to comfort relatives of nine people killed in Spain’s deadliest earthquakes in more than 50 years, hugging them and shaking their hands as they slowly made their way along a long row of mourners.

Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia bent down to chat with the mourners at a crowded funeral Mass celebrated in a trade center, part of which has been turned into a makeshift refugee camp after two quakes Wednesday left many homeless in this southeastern city. Many of those in the front row at the Mass wore dark glasses.

 At one point the prince stooped down to speak to a boy and affectionately ruffled the child’s dark hair.

Living in SoCal I know what it is like to go through an earthquake (believe me folks, it’s not fun.)  My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and all the people of Spain.

Now, there are photos of T.R.H.s Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia at today’s Mass; however, I do not feel comfortable posting images of grieving families… so if you want to see photos please click the link here.  To watch a video please click here. 

Source: and photo CBS News  by Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images