Official announcement from King Felipe and Queen Letizia: It will happen soon and they are excited.

After a long wait, an official announcement has been made about something many had been waiting for. Kings Felipe and Letizia will once again host a State visit, something that hasn't happened in two years. It is the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq al-Busaid, a figure of great relevance in the diplomatic field.

The visit will happen soon, as he will land in Spain on May 20. The excitement of the kings is palpable: after a diplomatic drought that raised suspicions, this visit marks the desired return of international events. What has changed now to reactivate the monarchs' foreign agenda? What implications does this visit have in the current geopolitical context?

Official announcement from Kings Felipe and Letizia: they will receive a State visit from the Sultan of Oman

May 3 marked exactly two years since the last major event of this type on Spanish soil. Then, the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, was received with all honors by King Felipe and Queen Letizia at the Royal Palace. Since that day, no other international leader has been invited with the protocol of a State visit, which raised alarms about the apparent inactivity of royal diplomacy.

Some analysts pointed to a strategic reconfiguration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while others indicated that the priority was on internal matters. The truth is that, beyond the causes, the absence of these high-level ceremonies had caused concern. The reception of the Sultan of Oman, therefore, represents a notable shift.

The visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq will take place over three days, from May 20 to 22, and is planned to recover all the splendor of such events. As is customary, the Omani leader will stay at the Palace of El Pardo, a venue intended to host heads of state during their visits to Spain.

The most notable day will be May 21. On that day, Kings Felipe and Letizia will offer a gala dinner at the Royal Palace. Representatives of the Government and other institutional figures will attend this event.

This event also represents a very desired occasion for Queen Letizia's followers, as it will be the first time in over a year that we will see her wearing a tiara. The last time Queen Letizia wore one was during the State visit to the Netherlands in April 2024. At that time, she dazzled with an image that went around the world.

The kings are working closely with the Executive to finalize all the details. Although, for now, no formal statement has been issued by Foreign Affairs. However, Vanitatis assures that everything is practically closed.

Haitham bin Tariq: an ally with growing weight in Europe

Haitham bin Tariq ascended to the throne of Oman in 2020 after the death of his cousin, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, whom Felipe VI attended to bid farewell at his funeral. Before his proclamation, Haitham had been Minister of Culture and Heritage, always showing a marked interest in diplomatic rapprochement with Europe.

It was precisely Qaboos who chose him as successor, as Oman did not have an established hereditary line at that time. This was one of the first reforms the new Sultan promoted: the establishment of succession by primogeniture. Thus, he designated his eldest son, Theyazin bin Haitham Al Sa'id, as heir, who recently married in a discreet ceremony.

In recent months, the Sultan has intensified his international presence. In December, he was received by the kings of Belgium, and just a few weeks ago, he shared a gala dinner with Willem-Alexander, Máxima, and Princess Amalia of the Netherlands. A gesture that reinforces his willingness to position himself as a key figure in the Euro-Arab dialogue.

In short, the announcement of this State visit marks the return of Felipe and Letizia to the international diplomatic stage after a two-year pause. The arrival of the Sultan of Oman symbolizes a new boost in foreign relations and a return to major institutional events. Will this be the beginning of a more active stage for the kings in the international arena?