Close-up photo montage of Queen Letizia smiling with the Zarzuela Palace in the background.
LIFESTYLE

No one expected it: the royal family announces that Queen Letizia has been left out

Felipe VI's wife has not been present at an important event for the Crown at the international level

The news given by the Royal Family has caused an unexpected stir. Nobody imagined that Queen Letizia wouldn't be present at one of the most prominent international meetings these days. However, that's what happened: she was left out of an official event in which her husband, King Felipe VI, did participate.

Royal Household has confirmed that Letizia didn't attend the meeting her husband kept at the Zarzuela Palace with King Abdullah II of Jordan. This absence has been especially surprising due to the friendly and diplomatic bond that has always existed between the royal families of Spain and Jordan. In fact, the queen has shown on multiple occasions a good rapport with Queen Rania.

A smiling woman with long dark hair is wearing a blue dress with embroidered details and is outdoors.
Queen Letizia hasn't accompanied her husband at this international event | Europapress

Queen Letizia and her surprising absence at a key event for the royal family

In recent days, Queen Letizia has had a busy and very diverse schedule. She has presided over events such as the opening of the Madrid Book Fair, where she appeared smiling and approachable to the public. She has also been present at the main event of Armed Forces Day, one of the most significant events for the crown.

However, among all those commitments, there wasn't one that, in the opinion of many, was essential: the audience with King Abdullah II at Zarzuela. This meeting wasn't just another protocol visit. The Jordanian monarch has traveled specifically to Spain alone to meet both with Felipe VI and with the President, Pedro Sánchez.

During the conversations between both heads of state, key topics were addressed. From bilateral economic cooperation to the delicate conflict in Gaza, a matter that is also part of the Spanish crown's international agenda. Therefore, it was a high-level meeting in which Queen Letizia's presence would have played a relevant role.

The question is why she wasn't present. Royal Household hasn't issued a statement explaining her absence, but it has been made clear that the meeting was exclusively between the two kings, without participation from their wives. Although this doesn't break protocol, it is striking given the history of good relations between Letizia and Rania.

The royal family keeps silent as speculation grows

King Abdullah II's visit has been brief but intense. According to Royal Household through their official channels, such as their X account, the meeting focused on matters of common interest. It wasn't an official lunch or a gala dinner: it was a private meeting, but institutionally very significant.

This is where Queen Letizia's absence becomes even more significant. Yes, because she, as consort, has accompanied Felipe VI on many similar occasions, even in bilateral meetings with other royal families or presidents. That's why it's not unreasonable to think that her absence was deliberate and perfectly coordinated, rather than an oversight or omission.

One of the most solid theories is that, since Queen Rania wasn't present, the visit was conceived as an exclusively male moment. A more informal format, adapted to the circumstances. In fact, Abdullah II himself has traveled without his wife, who, according to media in her country, is focused on other social and diplomatic activities in Jordan.

Rania of Jordan and Abdullah II elegantly dressed pose for a photo at a formal event, with photographers in the background.
Queen Letizia might not have been present because Rania of Jordan was not there either | Europa Press

But that hasn't stopped many from wondering if there's something more behind it. Queen Letizia's role in the royal family has always been active, committed, and highly visible in the media. Her presence usually reinforces the institutional message and gives greater visibility to the events in which she participates.

Some believe that her busy schedule has been the cause, since she is immersed in a period of maximum activity before the start of summer. In addition to the events already mentioned, she has also been involved in meetings with foundations, educational events, and visits to healthcare institutions. All this suggests that, simply, there wasn't room for the meeting with the Jordanian monarch.

However, others think it was a strategic decision. A way to give prominence to the king and strengthen his leadership as head of state in international matters. It wouldn't be the first time the royal family distributes their appearances so that each one shines in their own field.

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