King Presides over the State Opening of the Cortes

December 27th, 2011 – Madrid

His Majesty King Juan Carlos I, accompanied by Her Majesty The Queen and Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Asturias, presided over the State Opening of the Cortes on December 27th.

The Royal Party arrived at the Cortes with a mounted military escort, where they were greeted by the new Prime Minister and other dignitaries. Noticably absent from the solemn opening ceremony of the Tenth Legislature were Infantas Elena and Cristina and also Don Inaki, Duke of Palma de Mallorca.

Following a troop review, the King and Royal Party entered the Congress of Deputies by the Lions Gate, which was decorated with a canopy of state emblazoned with the Royal Arms of Spain. The opening ceremony began with the playing of the Spanish National anthem, this was followed by a speech which was delivered by His Majesty. The speech of His Majesty was greeted with a standing ovation and prolonged bursts of applause from the gathered Deputies and Senators.

You can read more on the State Opening of the Cortes here:

Opening of the Xth Legislature. December 2011.

Filed under Spain
Tagged Felipe VI of Spain, Government, Juan Carlos I of Spain, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain.