King Felipe VI has received Prince Albert of Monaco at Zarzuela Palace. The visit is an important one, marking the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the first diplomatic mission between Spain and Monaco. While Princess Charlene and Queen Letizia spent time with their husbands, the first official meeting was between the Prince and the King, who were accompanied by delegations from their countries. The men greeted each other with smiles and a handshake, having a private lunch at Zarzuela.
© Getty ImagesThis visit marks a year-and-a-half-century of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the 10th anniversary of the Spanish branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Throughout 2026, the anniversary has been celebrated with performances across several Spanish cities by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ballet of Monte-Carlo, commemorating the 1876 agreement where diplomatic relationships were established between the two nations.
The Visit of Albert and Charlene
© Getty ImagesThe centerpiece of the anniversary is Albert and Charlene's visit to Spain. Although the Princess did not take part in the morning engagements, she joined the two sovereigns and Queen Letizia at 6:00 p.m. for a tour of commemorative exhibitions. The four royals visited the Villanueva Pavilion of the Royal Botanical Garden, where they took in two exhibitions: the 8th Monaco Artists Forum and Monaco and Spain: Five Centuries of Shared History.
The Royal Botanical Garden was founded in the 18th century during the reign of Charles III of Spain and houses important botanical collections, playing a key role in biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and environmental awareness.
Charlene's First Official Visit to Spain
This official visit carries additional significance, marking the first time Princess Charlene has traveled to Spain in an official capacity since her marriage to Prince Albert. It is also the first occasion on which she and Queen Letizia have met on Spanish soil.
© WireImagePrince Albert's parents, Rainier and Grace, made several visits and trips to Spain over the years. Princess Caroline also played key roles on various occasions, most importantly in 2004, when she represented the Principality at the wedding of King Felipe and Queen Letizia, back when they were the Prince and Princess of Asturias.
The Almost-Familial Bond Between Felipe VI and Albert II
The relationship between Albert of Monaco and Felipe VI goes beyond diplomacy. The two men share a godmother: Queen Victoria Eugenia, the wife of Alfonso XIII and great-grandmother of King Felipe. She was one of the godparents of Albert and was present at his baptism in 1958.
Victoria Eugenia and Princess Grace of Monaco shared a close friendship, with the ties between the Grimaldis and the Bourbons running deep. During her years in exile, Victoria Eugenia spent a long period of time on the French Riviera and was a frequent presence in Monaco. Years later, when Felipe VI was born in 1968, she returned to Spain to spend time with her great-grandson. She passed away the following year.
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