On February 27, 2025, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia jointly attended the investiture ceremony where the King was awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universidad de Alcalá. This prestigious recognition marked the first time the Spanish university has honored the King with such distinction. Their appearance together at the ceremony sparked considerable public interest, particularly when they exchanged a heartfelt embrace, described by Tatiana Arús as a "romántico gesto que se ha hecho viral" (a romantic gesture that's gone viral).
The embrace showcased not only their affectionate relationship but also provided insight to the public on the softer side of royal duties, highlighting how personal connections can resonate with the people. Tatiana noted the King was seen as "de lo más sonriente" (very cheerful), which contributed to positive public sentiment surrounding the royal family.
Despite their joint appearance at the Alcalá ceremony, the royal couple is scheduled to separate for individual commitments shortly thereafter. While Queen Letizia has no more official events for the week, King Felipe VI is set to travel to Uruguay to attend the inauguration of the country's new president, Yamandú Orsi, on February 28 and March 1. This trip reflects the King’s tradition of participating in significant Ibero-American presidential transitions—a role he has fulfilled since he was the Prince of Asturias.
The official agenda distributed by Casa Real confirmed the King's travel plans, emphasizing the importance of these international relationships and responsibilities. Following his attendance at the Uruguayan inauguration, King Felipe will return to Spain to engage with more official duties. Specifically, he is scheduled to be present at the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2025, held from March 3 to 6, where he will preside over several events, including the official opening dinner on March 2 at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
During the mobile congress, King Felipe plans to visit the Barcelona Supercomputing Center the following day, reinforcing his commitment to technological advancement and collaboration within the scientific community.
Notably, this rhythm of shared events followed by personal commitments is typical for the royal couple, maintaining the balance between their public personas as united figures and as individuals pursuing their respective duties. Indeed, the royal family’s engagements often highlight the blend of tradition, modernity, and the expectations of public life.
Queen Letizia, who previously joined the King at the various engagements this week, typically engages with topics of social importance through her own agenda. Her absence during the King’s travels symbolizes the modern expectation for royals to fulfill distinct but equally important roles.
Overall, the recent engagements of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia not only affirm their dedication to public service but also reinforce their status as relatable figures who share both personal and royal commitments, connecting them to the Spanish people. With each joint appearance and subsequent duty, they signify the continuity and adaptability of the monarchy, poised to navigate the expectations of contemporary society.