The Royal Visit to Paris
The kings of Spain, Felipe VI and Letizia, have traveled to the French capital to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. Their arrival took place on Thursday, where they shared a table with international dignitaries during a dinner accompanied by the president French, Emmanuel Macron. The festivities continued with the opening ceremony, framed by the river Seine, an event embroidered with picturesque moments impermeable due to the rain.
The Family’s Initial Olympic Impulse
This edition of the Games represents a special moment for the Royal Family, as it is the first time they have attended an Olympic event since the coronation of Philip VI. The royal couple could not travel to Rio de Janeiro or Tokyo in previous editions, making this visit a historic moment. The following week, the spotlight shifted to Princess Eleonor and Infanta Sofia, who witnessed several competitions, including the much-anticipated debut of Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in an exciting pairing.
Anticipated return of Queen Letícia
Letizia is scheduled to return to Paris at the end of the week, with Felipe VI preparing to do the same in the final leg of the Games. The Royal House has also confirmed that Queen Emeritus Sofia has plans to visit Paris at some point, adding a touch of continuity to her involvement in the event.
A Rich Olympic Past
The Spanish monarchy’s relationship with the Olympic Games goes back decades. John Charles I made history with his participation in the 1972 Summer Games. Felipe VI, in his years as Prince, was the captain of the Spanish team during Barcelona ’92, an event that marked a and one later in Spanish sports culture. Cristina, the infanta, was a pioneer in being part of the women’s Olympic team in the 1988 Seoul Games.
The absence of Infanta Elena
Unlike the rest of the family, Infanta Elena will not attend these Olympics. Best known for her passion for cheering and expressing her identification with sports, Elena has been excluded from family activities in Paris, a decision that recognizes not only her love for sports, but also the importance of public image management of the throne
Family Image Management
From the Royal House, it has been decided to maintain the absence of the most controversial figures of the family to avoid any deviation from media attention during the event. These measures reflect the commitment to present a cohesive image and in harmony with Olympic values, focusing all the focus on the athletes representing Spain.
Reflection on the Public Image
The need to moderate the exposure of certain members of the royal family may seem like an unfortunate maneuver, but it is a testament to the weight of modern media impact. Thus, the Royal House seeks to navigate the complex interstices of uncontrollable visibility while reaffirming its support and admiration for sporting values.
