Spanish Royal Calendar

[Laprincess]

Ahh, F&L are meeting Javi Fernandez?! I'm so excited for Javi! I met him at Worlds in Boston. He is such a sweetheart. I got a hug.   I am sure he's bursting with pride. He is certainly one of my favorite men's skaters ever.

Mine too.  

Javi will return to Spain next week and take the victory lap so to speak. He has been touring in Japan with other skaters after the Worlds. On Tuesday, Rajoy will award him the gold medal in sports. Not sure why it's not Felipe who hands him that. On Friday, F&L will receive him in Zarzuela. I wonder whether his parents will accompany him. His father is in the navy. His father pulled down another job in order to pay for his skating. They must burst with pride. They deserve being there.

Unless another Spanish athlete does superbly in the Olympics, I think he's the sure bet for Princess of Asturias Award this year. He can use the cash prize. It's a shame that no Spanish company sponsors him or signs endorsement deals with him. There are more sports than football and basketball, Spain.  

[Phil Space]

Finally  But I don't think it will last  Hope they're attending CG's birthday  I need to see Leti in a tiara again 

I doubt they'll attend. Felipe has one more round of counsultations on 4/25 and 26. If he proposes anyone to form a government, the parliament will vote in the following days. If that candidate doesn't succeed, Felipe will dissolve the parliament and order a new election. I think that deadline is either 5/2 or 5/3. I don't think it'll be received well if he goes out of country to party during a political crisis. 

We'll see  Regarding their previous decisions perhaps they're not going to attend but there already some voices claiming that keeping a such a low key agenda is not helping at all and that some of the events they postponed could have taken place even with a "temporary" government. I really hope there's a decision soon...this is not doing any favors to Spain - but then politics need to grow up and forget about the place they want to be in 

I found myself surprised that they did not try to 'fill the gaps', may be by attending events in 'unofficial' ways - casual clothes and no speeches. Another poster suggested local fiestas etc. and to me this would be a good idea and would be good for the image of the couple.

[Nuno]

Finally  But I don't think it will last  Hope they're attending CG's birthday  I need to see Leti in a tiara again 

I doubt they'll attend. Felipe has one more round of counsultations on 4/25 and 26. If he proposes anyone to form a government, the parliament will vote in the following days. If that candidate doesn't succeed, Felipe will dissolve the parliament and order a new election. I think that deadline is either 5/2 or 5/3. I don't think it'll be received well if he goes out of country to party during a political crisis. 

We'll see  Regarding their previous decisions perhaps they're not going to attend but there already some voices claiming that keeping a such a low key agenda is not helping at all and that some of the events they postponed could have taken place even with a "temporary" government. I really hope there's a decision soon...this is not doing any favors to Spain - but then politics need to grow up and forget about the place they want to be in 

I found myself surprised that they did not try to 'fill the gaps', may be by attending events in 'unofficial' ways - casual clothes and no speeches. Another poster suggested local fiestas etc. and to me this would be a good idea and would be good for the image of the couple.

I understand their decisions because in every single event they're accompanied by a member of the government and regarding the image the current government has in Spain and all the extreme divisions between the political parties they played safe by trying not to take part on anyone. I think last time Rajoy and F&L coincided publicly in the same event was during Pascua Militar in January. The events that really need to take place are always attended by Soraya, the vice President or other ministers.

[Laprincess]

Felipe and Letizia's interest in figure skater Javier Fernandez
From the Casa del Rey contacted with the double world champion to arrange an audience at the Zarzuela Palace
 
Javier Fernandez was in early April with the title of world champion in figure skating for the second consecutive year. Because the trajectory of Spanish athlete, the kings decided to support him from social networks and congratulate him on his victory. Upon arrival after the championship in the US you did get a request to meet with Felipe and Letizia.



The ice rink Boston at the feet of Javier Fernandez surrendered on April 3. The Spanish took the world title and champion of this modality was proclaimed.

On the occasion of this victory, the Casa del Rey got in touch with the athlete through the social network Twitter to congratulate gold and show their pride "a new milestone in the Spanish sport." 

However, days before the championship, the Kings also wanted to give courage to face the championship.

The kings asked for a meeting with Javier Fernandez
However, the ratio of Felipe and Letizia with the figure skater has not ended there. Has been told Monarchy Confidential through the Spanish Ice Sports Federation, was royal house who contacted Javier Fern?ndez to arrange an audience at the Zarzuela Palace days after victory in the United States.

After squaring both agendas, it was established that the meeting would take place next Friday, April 22 . The athlete will go along with his manager, Jorge Serradilla, the director general of the federation, Xavier Cherta and their parents.

At this appointment with Felipe and Letizia, Javier Fern?ndez, he will not go empty - handed . Like other athletes who have received kings usually go with a present for monarchs. Since the federation suggests that " it is very likely that the world champion regale them ice skates ."

******************************************

I saw online Javi's old ice bucket challenge video. He challenged Felipe. Felipe, of course, didn't accept. I wonder whether he'll bring a bucket of ice this time.   

[Phil Space]

Finally  But I don't think it will last  Hope they're attending CG's birthday  I need to see Leti in a tiara again 

I doubt they'll attend. Felipe has one more round of counsultations on 4/25 and 26. If he proposes anyone to form a government, the parliament will vote in the following days. If that candidate doesn't succeed, Felipe will dissolve the parliament and order a new election. I think that deadline is either 5/2 or 5/3. I don't think it'll be received well if he goes out of country to party during a political crisis. 

We'll see  Regarding their previous decisions perhaps they're not going to attend but there already some voices claiming that keeping a such a low key agenda is not helping at all and that some of the events they postponed could have taken place even with a "temporary" government. I really hope there's a decision soon...this is not doing any favors to Spain - but then politics need to grow up and forget about the place they want to be in 

I found myself surprised that they did not try to 'fill the gaps', may be by attending events in 'unofficial' ways - casual clothes and no speeches. Another poster suggested local fiestas etc. and to me this would be a good idea and would be good for the image of the couple.

I understand their decisions because in every single event they're accompanied by a member of the government and regarding the image the current government has in Spain and all the extreme divisions between the political parties they played safe by trying not to take part on anyone. I think last time Rajoy and F&L coincided publicly in the same event was during Pascua Militar in January. The events that really need to take place are always attended by Soraya, the vice President or other ministers.

You make a good point. I did not understand that there is a member of government even at unofficial event like a fiesta. I think I would not want their life.

[Nuno]

Finally  But I don't think it will last  Hope they're attending CG's birthday  I need to see Leti in a tiara again 

I doubt they'll attend. Felipe has one more round of counsultations on 4/25 and 26. If he proposes anyone to form a government, the parliament will vote in the following days. If that candidate doesn't succeed, Felipe will dissolve the parliament and order a new election. I think that deadline is either 5/2 or 5/3. I don't think it'll be received well if he goes out of country to party during a political crisis. 

We'll see  Regarding their previous decisions perhaps they're not going to attend but there already some voices claiming that keeping a such a low key agenda is not helping at all and that some of the events they postponed could have taken place even with a "temporary" government. I really hope there's a decision soon...this is not doing any favors to Spain - but then politics need to grow up and forget about the place they want to be in 

I found myself surprised that they did not try to 'fill the gaps', may be by attending events in 'unofficial' ways - casual clothes and no speeches. Another poster suggested local fiestas etc. and to me this would be a good idea and would be good for the image of the couple.

I understand their decisions because in every single event they're accompanied by a member of the government and regarding the image the current government has in Spain and all the extreme divisions between the political parties they played safe by trying not to take part on anyone. I think last time Rajoy and F&L coincided publicly in the same event was during Pascua Militar in January. The events that really need to take place are always attended by Soraya, the vice President or other ministers.

You make a good point. I did not understand that there is a member of government even at unofficial event like a fiesta. I think I would not want their life.

When they travel abroad they're always accompanied by, at least, the minister of the foreign affairs  For a birthday party, in this case CG's birthday party, I don't think they are accompanied by a member of the government, but if you're talking about their attendance to traditional celebrations like "Semana Santa" in Sevilla for example, there are a lot of politics there  Another event that didn't take place this year was the reception to the ambassadors at the Royal Palace.

[Phil Space]

Finally  But I don't think it will last  Hope they're attending CG's birthday  I need to see Leti in a tiara again 

I doubt they'll attend. Felipe has one more round of counsultations on 4/25 and 26. If he proposes anyone to form a government, the parliament will vote in the following days. If that candidate doesn't succeed, Felipe will dissolve the parliament and order a new election. I think that deadline is either 5/2 or 5/3. I don't think it'll be received well if he goes out of country to party during a political crisis. 

We'll see  Regarding their previous decisions perhaps they're not going to attend but there already some voices claiming that keeping a such a low key agenda is not helping at all and that some of the events they postponed could have taken place even with a "temporary" government. I really hope there's a decision soon...this is not doing any favors to Spain - but then politics need to grow up and forget about the place they want to be in 

I found myself surprised that they did not try to 'fill the gaps', may be by attending events in 'unofficial' ways - casual clothes and no speeches. Another poster suggested local fiestas etc. and to me this would be a good idea and would be good for the image of the couple.

I understand their decisions because in every single event they're accompanied by a member of the government and regarding the image the current government has in Spain and all the extreme divisions between the political parties they played safe by trying not to take part on anyone. I think last time Rajoy and F&L coincided publicly in the same event was during Pascua Militar in January. The events that really need to take place are always attended by Soraya, the vice President or other ministers.

You make a good point. I did not understand that there is a member of government even at unofficial event like a fiesta. I think I would not want their life.

When they travel abroad they're always accompanied by, at least, the minister of the foreign affairs  For a birthday party, in this case CG's birthday party, I don't think they are accompanied by a member of the government, but if you're talking about their attendance to traditional celebrations like "Semana Santa" in Sevilla for example, there are a lot of politics there  Another event that didn't take place this year was the reception to the ambassadors at the Royal Palace.

Really I was thinking of smaller festivals that they could may be attend almost unannounced, almost as surprise.

I am only disappointed because my short time in Spain is coming to an end. Soon we must move on and just when they are more busy and more visible.

[Nuno]

I understand what you're saying but I don't think they have 100% freedom to plan their schedule, even when they're attending "surprise" events....the government must know where they're and what they're doing but correct me if i'm wrong.

[Phil Space]

I understand what you're saying but I don't think they have 100% freedom to plan their schedule, even when they're attending "surprise" events....the government must know where they're and what they're doing but correct me if i'm wrong.

Of course you are not wrong Nuno and thank you for answering. I said it badly. Certainly the government must know where the Kings go and must approve. I was thinking only that they could attend events without a 'visible' government presence but maybe that is not so easy.

[Clara]

Spain is not the UK. A trip like W&K's to India where everything is tailored as a holiday for them and to showcase dresses wouldn't cut it here or in Zarzuela. Same with local festivals. If their attempt to show they're still present during this political impasse is to be seen eating cotton candy in a random town's fair every week it wouldn't be received well. And I can't imagine F&L thinking it would be a good idea.
Besides, this local festivals are the local and regional politician's time to shine. They're always present, F&L would need to warn them of their visit (security, protocol etc...) and they would be hanging out with politicians in a relaxed, basically political campaign manner weeks before we enter a new official political campaign.

[Laprincess]

Clara!

Do you know why Rajoy handed out the royal order of sports merit to Javi? It's a royal order so shouldn't Felipe hand it out? It struck me as odd. Rajoy probably needs some good press for a change.

[Thistle]

The Royal Order of Sports Merit in Spain has several classes for individuals, only one is awarded by Royal Decreet - the Grand Cross (highest level). Javiez got the Gold Medal (2nd level), that is awarded by the Minister of Education, Culture and Sport - so Felipe has no business in handing it, it's a government thing

[Phil Space]

Spain is not the UK. A trip like W&K's to India where everything is tailored as a holiday for them and to showcase dresses wouldn't cut it here or in Zarzuela. Same with local festivals. If their attempt to show they're still present during this political impasse is to be seen eating cotton candy in a random town's fair every week it wouldn't be received well. And I can't imagine F&L thinking it would be a good idea.
Besides, this local festivals are the local and regional politician's time to shine. They're always present, F&L would need to warn them of their visit (security, protocol etc...) and they would be hanging out with politicians in a relaxed, basically political campaign manner weeks before we enter a new official political campaign.

I do not know what an Indian trip has to do with this, or the UK, or eating 'cotton candy' but I am sorry if you think I have make a stupid suggestion.

[Laprincess]

The Royal Order of Sports Merit in Spain has several classes for individuals, only one is awarded by Royal Decreet - the Grand Cross (highest level). Javiez got the Gold Medal (2nd level), that is awarded by the Minister of Education, Culture and Sport - so Felipe has no business in handing it, it's a government thing

Ah...I didn't know this. Thanks Thistle! 

[Clara]

Clara!

Do you know why Rajoy handed out the royal order of sports merit to Javi? It's a royal order so shouldn't Felipe hand it out? It struck me as odd. Rajoy probably needs some good press for a change.

Felipe is the Grand Master of the Order, but the Council of Sports (a department in the Ministry of Culture and Sports) holds the secretariat of the order and handles all the appointments and documents. Usually the government (or a department) decides who receives an order, even if it's a royal order and Felipe is the Grand Master. Only the Royal Order of the Golden Fleece is awarded by the King, although the government has to countersign it.
Most of the orders (civil merit, sports...) are handed out by a politician. Felipe hands out military orders and awards sometimes, but I'm sure others are handed out by the minister of Defense/the armed forces. Sometimes it's probably because he can't hand out as many orders/insignias/awards as are awarded in his name, sometimes because for whatever historical precedent, and sometimes probably because a certain politician (minister/president/secretary of state...) wants the PR. When he and Letizia handed out the Order to the Civil Merit on his first anniversary as King was a special event to celebrate it while celebrating normal citizens.