World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Spanish royals visit Ceuta after deadly migration crisis
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited Ceuta on Tuesday to show support for the Spanish city in North Africa.
In July, about 80,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, and more than 140 died, according to two accounts; another put the crossing figure above 70,000.
Most people returned, but thousands remained, creating pressure on a city of about 84,000 residents.
The remaining migrants have become a source of social tension and political debate in Spain, where migration is a major issue ahead of elections next month.
Ceuta’s position on the border also makes the visit sensitive because Morocco does not recognize Spain’s claim to the territory.
The royal couple are due to travel to Melilla on Wednesday, in the first visit to both enclaves by a Spanish monarch since 2007.
Their visit is intended to show support for Ceuta’s institutions and residents.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began their first visit to Ceuta on Tuesday, showing support for the Spanish enclave amid a migration crisis.
Reports said more than 70,000 or about 80,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta in July, and more than 140 people died.
Thousands of migrants remained in the city after most people who crossed returned, though the number still there is unknown.
The crisis has heightened social tensions in Ceuta and strained Spain’s relations with Morocco.
The royals are due to travel to Melilla on Wednesday, in the first royal visit to both enclaves since 2007.
- Who
- King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
- What
- They began their first visit to Ceuta to show support for its residents and institutions.
- When
- Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
- Where
- Ceuta, a Spanish city in North Africa.
- Why
- To show solidarity amid a migration crisis that has strained relations with Morocco.
Residents calling for tighter border controls
Critics of hostility towards migrants
Border controls
Residents calling for tighter border controls
Some residents have called for tighter controls.
Critics of hostility towards migrants
Critics have condemned hostility towards migrants and attacks on shelters.
More than 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, according to Africanews; SCMP and AP reported about 80,000 crossings in July and more than 140 deaths.
More than 350 police officers and soldiers took part in an operation to clear the last major informal settlement at El Guano.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began their first visit to Ceuta.
The royal couple are due to travel to Melilla.
- Reported July crossings
- More than 70,000 (Africanews); about 80,000 (SCMP and AP)
- Deaths
- More than 140, according to SCMP and AP
- Ceuta population
- 84,000, according to SCMP and AP
- Mayor’s estimate of migrants remaining
- As many as 15,000
- Previous royal visit
- Juan Carlos I visited the two enclaves in 2007
What people are saying
show the support of the Crown for Ceuta’s institutions and society
Sources
Spanish royals visit Ceuta to back enclave amid border migration strain with Morocco
Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to visit Ceuta
Ceuta awaits King Felipe after summer migration crisis
Spain clears last major migrant camp in Ceuta ahead of royal visit
Spainish police clear last Ceuta migrant beach camp ahead of king's visit
Related news
Drones hit two ships off Bulgaria; one sinks and 11 crew are missing
MI5 chief warns Iran and Russia are stepping up threats to Britain
France boards Russia-linked tanker in Indian Ocean
Nuremberg airport reopens after plane makes emergency landing
Two Turkish citizens detained in Germany over fire at Polish Starlink station
Court orders new hearing in case over passport error that stopped family’s Thailand trip
Polish foreign minister says a European army could form by 2030
Trump’s diesel deal with Russia draws anger from European allies
Zelensky says Russian strikes violated Trump’s proposed energy ceasefire
Truck ends up on Merwedebrug cycle path despite heavy-vehicle ban
One killed in GC-2 crash as second collision snarls traffic near Las Palmas
