On Tuesday, November 19, King Felipe and Queen Letizia returned to Valencia to see firsthand the areas hardest hit by the devastating floods that unfortunately claimed nearly 219 lives in Spain.
This visit marked a significant turnaround from their first appearance in the city on November 3, which was filled with tensions and even insults from some citizens denouncing the lack of support for those affected.
On that occasion, mud was thrown at them, and the protests were directed more at the government of Pedro Sanchez, who accompanied them, than at the monarchy itself. This time, however, everything was very different.
Return of King Felipe and Queen Letizia to Valencia
Felipe and Letizia arrived without the prime minister and were met with a warm welcome in Chiva, one of the places most damaged by the flood.
Unlike the moments of criticism during their previous visit, this time the atmosphere was like a breath of fresh air for everyone.
At 11 a.m., the king and queen, dressed comfortably, were received amidst cheers and applause from the neighbors, who, having gone through such a hard experience, were eager to share their stories and feelings with them.
This new visit was not only a symbolic gesture but also a demonstration of the royal couple’s commitment to the victims.
In addition to being briefed on the progress of the cleanup and rehabilitation work, both Felipe and Letizia took the time to listen to the affected people.
The atmosphere was completely different from their first visit: instead of nerves and tension, what prevailed were emotional moments that reflected an atmosphere of solidarity and closeness.
Their tour began at the Town Hall of Chiva, followed by talks with neighbors and volunteers, and they had the opportunity to visit the ravine that caused the flooding.
They ended their day visiting a footbridge built by the neighbors themselves, symbolizing the community effort to recover normality.
One of the most touching moments was when Queen Letizia met a three-year-old girl who, without a second thought, ran to hug her.
This gesture encapsulated the essence of her visit: a genuine desire to be close to citizens, listen to their concerns, and provide support.
“To listen, to be, to share, and to maintain attention, an attention that must be constant,” the queen commented, underlining the importance of staying close to those who suffer.
King Felipe, for his part, emphasized that this whole process requires time and constant attention.
“You have to be close to the citizens, suffering with them and supporting them,” he said, recalling the relevance of royal visits in critical moments.
Twenty days after a tragedy that will go down in Spanish history, Felipe and Letizia’s visit to Valencia not only served to show their support for the victims but also to transform mourning into hope and smiles.
Undoubtedly, this experience marks a before and after in the reign of Felipe VI, highlighting the importance of empathy in any public function.
