During their recent visit to Paiporta, one of the Valencian localities affected by the DANA, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia experienced one of the most tense and emotional moments of their reign.
What was initially planned as an opportunity to show support for those affected, turned into a demonstration of frustration on the part of the neighbors, who did not hesitate to express their dissatisfaction with the management of the emergency.
Despite the discomfort of the situation, the royal couple remained firm, determined to listen closely to the concerns and anxieties of the citizens.
Upon arrival, the royal couple was greeted by a crowd that, powerless and angry, sought to make their voices heard.
In the midst of the tumult, some threw mud in a clear gesture of relief and protest. But the kings did not retreat.
Felipe VI, with calm and closeness, tried to reassure those present, assuring them that his purpose was to understand firsthand the effects of the tragedy.
Letizia, for her part, reflected the seriousness of the moment in her expression, with a mud-stained face and a look full of empathy.
The queen was especially affected when a woman, in desperation, approached her and, in tears, embraced her in search of comfort. That human and raw moment left Letizia visibly shocked.
The queen momentarily collapsed, hugging the woman tightly, in an attempt to offer her the comfort that words cannot always convey.
A young man, sensing the queen’s vulnerability at that moment, approached and assured her that the cries of the crowd were not a personal attack on them. “It’s not about you, Madam. It’s not because of you,” he repeated to her, wanting to make it clear that the real anger of the people was with the political management and the slowness of the aid.
“POR USTEDES, POR USTEDES NO ES”
Los vecinos le dicen a la reina #Letizia que el enfado no es con ella o el Rey sino con #Sánchez / #España pic.twitter.com/ICSGqZuTZ2— LIBERATUVOZ (@liberatuvoz_com) November 3, 2024
To these words, Letizia responded with a handshake and a silent thank you, while trying to hold back tears.
Although the situation in Paiporta was a difficult ordeal, the kings and queens decided to continue with their agenda in the neighboring town of Chiva, where they also planned to approach those affected by the storm. However, due to the tense climate and in agreement with the local authorities and the Royal House, this visit was finally postponed.
For Felipe and Letizia, this meeting with the inhabitants of Paiporta has marked one of the most difficult and sincere experiences of their time as kings.