The Spanish royal family usually spends Holy Week in institutional silence, and when they make an appearance, it is always without prior notice.
This time, it was King Felipe VI who surprised everyone, and not in Madrid but in Palma de Mallorca, an island where the family spends every summer but which the king had not visited at this time of year for several years. This change in schedule did not go unnoticed, especially since he arrived alone—without Letizia, Leonor, or Sofía.
Where King Felipe VI was in Palma and who he dined with
The King was spotted at Mia by Guillermo Cabot, one of his favorite restaurants on the island, where he shared a table with several friends. Local media reported that they had paella for lunch.
Although Felipe tried to be as discreet as possible, it didn’t take long for his presence to attract the attention of those in the area.
At around 5:00 p.m., accompanied by his security detail, he left the restaurant and headed for Son Sant Joan Airport.
The unexpected family reunion: King Felipe VI with his mother and sisters
The most striking part of this visit wasn’t the paella, but what came after. During his stay, for the first time since he ascended the throne, King Felipe met with Queen Sofía, her two sisters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina, and two of her nieces, Victoria Federica and Irene Urdangarin.
This family reunion is particularly significant given the difficult time Queen Sofía is going through, having lost her sister, Princess Irene of Greece, who passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 83.
Where Letizia, Leonor, and Sofía are spending Holy Week
So far, none of the three have been seen in public. Around this time of year, the family typically keeps a low profile, spending time with close friends and family and, on occasion, making surprise appearances at a procession.
In 2023, they went to Chinchón; in 2024, they attended a procession in downtown Madrid; and last year, no photos were released. In 2026, King Felipe went ahead with his own plans, while the rest of the family have still not revealed their intentions.