The King and Queen of Spain, Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, paid a condolence visit this Monday, February 26, 2024, to the city of Valencia, where a devastating fire in a residential building claimed the lives of 10 people, including an entire family.
The monarchs’ visit, which was not on their official schedule, came after King Felipe attended the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where he expressed his sorrow for the Valencian tragedy.
“The grief of all Valencia is the grief of all Spain,” the King said in his opening speech at the technology event.
Felipe and Letizia in Valencia
The King and Queen arrived at the Palau de la Música in Valencia, where they were welcomed by the local authorities.
There they met with the families of the victims and survivors of the fire, to whom they expressed their “sorrow and pain” and offered their support and comfort.
During the meeting, which took place in an atmosphere of intimacy and respect, the King and Queen showed interest in the situation of those affected and listened to their personal testimonies.
The Spanish media highlighted the King and Queen’s closeness and empathy with the people, as well as their gesture of solidarity and commitment.
After the meeting, Felipe and Letizia went to the Campanar district where the damaged building was located.
There they were able to see the state of the ruins and talk to experts who explained the causes and consequences of the fire.
Queen Letizia was particularly interested and concerned about the event and asked the technicians several questions.
For his part, King Felipe thanked the emergency services for their work in extinguishing the fire and taking care of the victims.
The King and Queen personally greeted the firefighters, police, health workers and volunteers who took part in the rescue and relief efforts.
The visit of the King and Queen of Spain to Valencia was a gesture of solidarity and humanity that moved Valencians and the rest of the country. The monarchs demonstrated their closeness to the people and their sensitivity to the pain of others.