royal encounter

Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene meet King Felipe VI and Prince Albert of Monaco in historic royal encounter: Images and full details


This Monday marked a historic meeting between Spain and Monaco.


Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene meet King Felipe VI and Prince Albert of Monaco in historic royal encounter: images and full details© CORDON PRESS
Daniel NeiraSenior Writer
JUNE 1, 2026 2:18 PM EDT

This Monday, June 1, marked a historic meeting between Spain and Monaco. King Felipe received Prince Albert of Monaco this morning at the Zarzuela Palace during an official visit held on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the first diplomatic mission between the two countries. 

After this initial meeting, Queen Letizia and Charlene of Monaco, who had not accompanied their husbands to the morning event, reunited this afternoon in a gathering that began at 6:00 p.m. Together with the sovereigns, they visited the Villanueva Pavilion of the Royal Botanical Garden, where they had the opportunity to tour the exhibitions 'VIII Monaco Artists Forum' and 'Monaco and Spain: Five Centuries of Shared History.'

The Spanish and Monegasque royal couples walk through the Royal Botanical Garden during the historic encounter.© CORDON PRESS
The Spanish and Monegasque royal couples walk through the Royal Botanical Garden during the historic encounter.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia, together with Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, toured the exhibitions at the Royal Botanical Garden, founded in the 18th century during the reign of Charles III. 

A strong sense of harmony was noted between both women, as they walked through the iconic garden exchanging friendly gestures reminiscent of their last public appearance together, during the Mass for the Beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV. 

Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene greet each other during the Mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.© PPE
Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene greet each other during the Mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of Pope Leo XIV.

It was then that both, making use of the privilège du blanc, shook hands and exchanged two kisses on the cheeks, a gesture they repeated during the first official visit of the Monegasque princess to Spanish territory.

King Felipe VI and Prince Albert of Monaco greet each other during their meeting linked to the papal visit in Vatican City.© PPE
King Felipe VI and Prince Albert of Monaco greet each other during their meeting linked to the papal visit in Vatican City.

These encounters, promoted by the Embassy of Monaco in Spain, aim to highlight the historical, cultural, and diplomatic ties that have united both nations over time, offering a perspective on a friendship that transcends geographical borders and which once again has been reaffirmed with the passage of time.

Queen Letizia’s look:

The Queen opted for a dress she premiered in August of last year at the closing of the 15th edition of the Atlàntida Mallorca Film Fest at the Centro Cultural La Misericordia in Mallorca. 

A cordial moment between Queen Letizia and Prince Albert of Monaco during the official visit at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid.© CORDON PRESS
A cordial moment between Queen Letizia and Prince Albert of Monaco during the official visit at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid.

A midi design made of Japanese linen featuring a strategic pattern intended to enhance the figure, as it is fitted at the waist with a cotton corset and carefully constructed, highly flattering cuts, designed by the Italian fashion house Mantú.

As for accessories, she brought back the striking bracelet she first wore with the dress, as well as matching earrings.

Princess Charlene of Monaco and King Felipe VI share a brief conversation during the Spain–Monaco royal encounter.© CORDON PRESS
Princess Charlene of Monaco and King Felipe VI share a brief conversation during the Spain–Monaco royal encounter.

The meeting between King Felipe and Prince Albert of Monaco:

King Felipe received Prince Albert of Monaco this morning at the Zarzuela Palace during an official visit marking the 150th anniversary of the opening of the first diplomatic mission between Spain and Monaco. 

Following this initial meeting, they shared a private lunch at Zarzuela. This historic visit commemorates 150 years of diplomatic relations between both countries and the 10th anniversary of the Spanish delegation of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. 

Queen Letizia, Princess Charlene, King Felipe VI, and Prince Albert of Monaco during the historic meeting at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid.News© CORDON PRESS
Queen Letizia, Princess Charlene, King Felipe VI, and Prince Albert of Monaco during the historic meeting at the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid.News

Throughout 2026, the anniversary has been celebrated with performances across various Spanish cities by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ballet of Monte Carlo, as well as gastronomic events in the Principality featuring Spanish products and recipes.

All of this commemorates the agreement signed on July 14, 1876, by which the Principality established diplomatic representation in Spain.

Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene walk alongside King Felipe VI and Prince Albert of Monaco during the diplomatic visit.© CORDON PRESS
Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene walk alongside King Felipe VI and Prince Albert of Monaco during the diplomatic visit.

It was during the reigns of Alfonso XII and Charles III of Monaco that this representation was formally established, although relations between both royal houses are much older, dating back several centuries through family ties and historical connections between the Grimaldi family and the Spanish nobility.

Now, through gestures of complicity, Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene have been the ones to mark a new chapter in diplomacy between both countries, highlighting the poise of two women who have long reigned in their respective nations, becoming a reflection of a friendship that continues to strengthen with time.