King Felipe celebrated his 57th birthday on January 30, and as expected, many were curious to find out how he would celebrate.
However, the reality was quite different from what many might imagine.
Far from throwing a big party, King Felipe VI spent his day in the midst of official engagements, and noticeably, his daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, were conspicuous by their absence.
What King Felipe’s Birthday Was Like
As reported by the Spanish press, the monarch continues to devote himself to his institutional responsibilities.
On the day of his birthday, his agenda was full of audiences at the Zarzuela Palace, including a meeting with the organizing committee of the 1,200th anniversary of the foundation of Murcia, as well as other meetings related to the Council of State.
In one of these engagements, King Felipe could not help joking with journalists, revealing that he had not yet received congratulations from his daughter Leonor.
“She’s at Elcano, it’s very early and I haven’t been able to talk to her yet,” he commented in a relaxed tone.
Throughout the day, the king said he had received many congratulations and, when asked how he felt about turning 57, he let out a smile and replied, “That’s not for me to say… Good.” His answer reflected his good spirits.
However, the press speculates that, after this busy day, King Felipe VI could celebrate in a more intimate way in Zarzuela or in a restaurant in Madrid with Queen Letizia.
What is certain is that the celebration will not include Princess Leonor or Infanta Sofia.
While the youngest daughter of the King and Queen of Spain is at the UWC Atlantic College in Wales, the heiress is aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián Elcano, continuing her military training.
Although the King’s birthday was rather sober, the royal family continues to fulfill its obligations, always staying on the path of tradition and service.