On Monday, March 31, 2025, King Felipe VI made a notable appearance at the inauguration of the fifth edition of the Spanish economic forum, ‘Wake Up, Spain!’, held at the Casa de América in Madrid. The monarch, however, was not just there to address pressing economic issues; he also drew attention for his sunburnt face, a result of a weekend skiing trip in the Aragonese Pyrenees.
As he took to the podium, Felipe VI humorously acknowledged his appearance, saying, "This is what happens when one does not protect oneself adequately from the sun." His light-hearted admission elicited laughter from the audience, setting a relaxed tone for the event. The King’s sunburn was particularly noticeable on his cheeks and the tip of his nose, areas that had clearly suffered from the sun’s rays during his skiing escapade.
Felipe VI had spent the previous weekend skiing at the Formigal station, a popular ski resort in the Tena valley of the Aragonese Pyrenees. This trip was a private affair, undertaken without the company of his wife, Queen Letizia, who has shown little interest in skiing. The King was accompanied by friends, including Antonio Gericó, the executive president of the Aramón Group, which manages the ski area.
The skiing conditions were quite favorable, especially on Sunday, March 30, when the weather turned calm, allowing the station to fully open after a day of strong winds. During his visit, Felipe VI not only indulged in skiing but also took the opportunity to savor local delicacies, dining at the renowned restaurant Las Mugas, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Toño Rodríguez.
In his inaugural address, King Felipe VI emphasized the importance of discussing the challenges Spain faces in the context of a new world order. He remarked that the current debate on security and defense is unavoidable, especially in light of recent geopolitical changes, including shifts in the United States' stance on the war in Ukraine. "This world needs to be defended, and the current debate on security and defense in Europe is urgent," he asserted, highlighting the necessity for thoughtful decision-making that will impact future generations.
The ‘Wake Up, Spain!’ forum, organized by ‘El Español’, Invertia, and Disruptores, aims to gather over 150 speakers over five days to discuss how the Spanish economy can adapt to global geopolitical shifts. This year's theme, focusing on Spain's challenges, reflects the ongoing global uncertainties and the need for strategic planning.
While the King’s skiing trip drew some light-hearted criticism, it also underscored a deeper issue regarding public perception and royal responsibilities. Some observers noted that his sunburn, particularly in the context of a public appearance, might reflect poorly on the monarchy, especially given the ongoing discussions about the royal family's public image.
Moreover, King Felipe VI has been noted for his penchant for skiing, a hobby he has embraced since his youth, often using it as a means to unwind when his official duties allow. This season alone, he has skied multiple times, including visits to Valdelinares and Baqueira-Beret, both of which have become regular haunts for him.
Despite the royal family's generally private lifestyle, Felipe VI's recent activities have sparked discussions about the balance between personal enjoyment and public duty. His solo weekends, often spent skiing or engaging in other leisure activities while his daughters are away, have led to speculation about the dynamics of his marriage with Queen Letizia, with some sources suggesting that the couple maintains separate lives.
In addition to his skiing adventures, King Felipe VI has faced personal challenges, including issues related to onychophagia, a compulsive habit of nail-biting that has reportedly left him with visible injuries on his hands. This condition, affecting approximately 15% of the Spanish population, has prompted discussions about mental health and the pressures faced by public figures.
As the week unfolds, Felipe VI's schedule remains packed with engagements, including visits to the University of Granada and the Alfonso X el Sabio University in Madrid, where he will explore innovations in education and research. Meanwhile, Queen Letizia will also be active, visiting a research center in Granada to engage with international cooperation initiatives.
In summary, King Felipe VI’s recent public appearance, marked by his sunburn and humor, reflects both the lighter side of royal life and the serious responsibilities that come with his position. As he navigates the complexities of modern monarchy, his actions and words continue to resonate with the public, reminding everyone of the human side of their King.
