The King and Queen’s official trip to Jordan, which had generated great expectations, has been surrounded by uncertainty due to the tense situation in the Middle East.
Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon, followed by an Iranian air attack, has complicated the outlook in the region, casting doubt on the trip.
However, the Royal Household has cleared the speculations: King Felipe will travel alone, and Queen Letizia, who would initially accompany him, will stay in Spain.
Changes in King Felipe’s trip to Jordan
This change of plans, announced by Zarzuela, also implies a reduction in the duration of the visit.
Originally, the King was to spend three days in Amman, but finally his stay will be shortened to just two days. He will arrive on Saturday, October 5 and depart on Sunday, October 6, in what will be a visit marked by uncertainty and heightened security measures.
According to Article 97 of the Spanish Constitution, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in charge of organizing the King and Queen’s international trips. In close collaboration with the Royal Household, it was decided that, despite the risks, King Felipe should fulfill this commitment.
“It is important to maintain diplomatic ties, but always taking extreme precautions,” a government spokesman has stressed.
The context in Jordan is delicate. Following Iran’s attack on Israel, the Jordanian army has asked its citizens not to leave their homes because of “hundreds of missiles” flying over the airspace. In addition, flights to Jordan have suffered cancellations, and the country’s own airspace was temporarily closed.
Nevertheless, the King will be accompanied by the Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, in what has been classified as an official visit, thus downgrading it from its initial status as a state trip.
This adjustment reflects the sensitivity of the political situation in the region, but also the importance of maintaining dialogue with Jordan amid growing tension.
Queen Letizia, who was originally scheduled to accompany the monarch, has been left off the agenda due to security concerns, which has led to a significant change in the original plan.
Meanwhile, Felipe VI’s trip to Jordan will seek to reaffirm relations between the two countries at a critical moment, with a cautious approach adapted to the current circumstances.