While Queen Letizia is in Guatemala participating in a cooperation trip, King Felipe VI assumes royal responsibilities with the support of his sister, the Infanta Cristina.
This collaboration marks a significant change, as the Infanta Cristina has been away from monarchical activities and the king for several years.
However, recent indications suggest that she may have a more constant presence at future official engagements according to the crown’s schedule.
King Felipe and the Infanta Cristina together
The two siblings met at the 42nd edition of the award ceremony for the La Caixa Foundation’s postgraduate scholarships abroad, where the Infanta Cristina works.
Although Cristina’s presence was not unexpected, her appearance alongside her brother marked a notable change, as the two have maintained a public distance for years.
Although the siblings have shared in family events, they have always avoided being photographed together or in matters related to the monarchy.
However, the Spanish press highlights the naturalness with which King Felipe and Infanta Cristina interacted at the event, projecting an image of normality, suggesting a turning point in their relationship.
Why were King Felipe and the Infanta Cristina estranged?
The relationship between King Felipe and the Infanta Cristina of Spain experienced a significant estrangement, mainly due to the repercussions of the corruption case involving Iñaki Urdangarin, the then husband of the Infanta.
This scandal threatened to tarnish the reputation of the monarchy, leading Felipe to take the decision to strip his sister of her noble titles, a move that sought to preserve the dignity of the royal institution.
Infanta Cristina and Urdangarin, who held the title of Duke and Duchess of Palma, were thus excluded from official royal life.
Subsequently, King Felipe implemented a broader restriction, limiting the members of the royal family to his closest core: himself, Queen Letizia, his daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, and their mother, Queen Emeritus.
This decision relegated his sisters to an unofficial role, marking a significant change in the family dynamic and reducing their public and private appearances.
The estrangement between the siblings lasted for a decade, exacerbated by the support Cristina and her other sister, the Infanta Elena, gave to their father, former King Juan Carlos I, who was also facing accusations of corruption and embezzlement.
Juan Carlos’ decision to self-exile in Abu Dhabi since 2020, although he occasionally returns to Spain, has been a point of disagreement between the sisters and the current monarch.
However, recent developments suggest a possible rapprochement between Felipe and Cristina, especially after the latter’s divorce from Urdangarin.
The Royal Household has shared images of the meeting between the siblings, indicating an effort by Felipe to restore his sister’s public image and reintegrate her, at least symbolically, into the bosom of the royal family.
This gesture could mark the beginning of a new stage in the relationship between the siblings, one that seeks to heal the wounds of the past and present a united front to the public.