World · Africa · 2 hrs ago
Spain’s monarchs visit Ceuta and Melilla 19 years after previous royal trip
Spain’s King Felipe VI and the royal family are visiting Ceuta and Melilla, two Spanish cities on the North African coast.
The last visit by Spain’s monarchs was in 2007, when Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía drew large crowds.
Morocco disputes Spain’s sovereignty over the cities, making royal visits politically sensitive.
After the 2007 trip was announced, Morocco condemned it and recalled its ambassador to Spain for consultations.
Spanish officials at the time said they kept in close contact with their Moroccan counterparts to avoid surprises.
The current visit puts the issue of the cities’ status back in focus.
The available information does not say what steps will follow the visit.
Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are due to visit Ceuta and Melilla, 19 years after the previous royal visit.
The two Spanish autonomous cities are places whose sovereignty Morocco questions.
Morocco objected to the 2007 visit by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía, calling it a provocation and recalling its ambassador.
The Spanish government coordinated with Morocco ahead of the 2007 trip in an effort to avoid a bigger diplomatic clash.
The article says Morocco’s response to the latest visit announcement has so far been more measured.
- Who
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
- What
- They are due to visit Ceuta and Melilla.
- When
- October 2026; the article says the visit will happen “today” and was updated on October 13.
- Where
- Ceuta and Melilla, Spanish autonomous cities.
- Why
- Not stated.
Spain
Morocco
Sovereignty and royal visit
Spain
Spain’s monarchs are visiting Ceuta and Melilla.
Morocco
Morocco questions Spanish sovereignty over the two cities and objected to the 2007 royal visit.
Diplomatic response
Spain
Spain’s foreign ministry communicated with Morocco ahead of the 2007 trip to try to avoid a bigger clash.
Morocco
Morocco called the 2007 visit a provocation and recalled its ambassador.
Former Spanish president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero visited Ceuta and Melilla.
King Juan Carlos I delivered a message of support to the people of Ceuta.
Juan Carlos I visited Melilla.
Morocco condemned the initiative and called its ambassador in Spain home for consultations.
Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are due to visit Ceuta and Melilla.
- Previous royal visit
- 2007
- Earlier monarchs
- Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía
- Current monarchs
- Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
- Cities
- Ceuta and Melilla
- Previous visit’s diplomatic response
- Morocco recalled its ambassador in Spain for consultations
What people are saying
The fundamental principle for us in relations with Morocco was to have the maximum communication and, above all, try not to spring surprises.
In diplomacy, when you anticipate, you can always manage complicated situations better.
rejection and absolute reprobation of that lamentable initiative, whatever the motivations and objectives of the visit
Sources
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