KING Felipe VI's annual Christmas Eve speech once again included a covert appeal to secessionist politicians, as well as raising concerns about young adults' struggle to afford housing and violence against women.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's UK visit postponed until after elections
21/04/2017
KING Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's State visit to the United Kingdom has been put back by a week so as not to coincide with the snap general election called by Conservative prime minister Theresa May this week.
The first State visit in over 30 years to Britain, the King and Queen of Spain were due in the UK on June 6 to 8 inclusive, but the election will be held on June 8, as decided this week.
They will now visit between June 12 and 14, albeit this, too, could be risky depending upon the outcome of the elections and whether a new government – possibly even a coalition – needs to be formed.
It was Spain's own post-election mayhem that led to Felipe VI's and Letizia's visit being postponed in March – they were due to stay in Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II's favourite property, by personal invitation between March 8 and 10, but with Spain not having a government, this had to be put off.
And now it has been postponed a second time, but it is hoped that June 12 to 14 will be third time lucky for the Monarchs in their attempts to visit Britain.
They are expected to discuss bilateral relationships – the UK and Spain have long been close friends and allies – and, in particular, the fate of Spaniards living in Britain and Brits living in Spain in light of Brexit, something expats on both sides will be grateful to the royals for.
Sadly for British expats, the Conservatives' promise of 'votes for life' has not been processed and those living outside the UK for 15 years or more are still unable to cast their ballots in the snap election – a vote which could be crucial if another party promises to stop Brexit as part of its campaign.
Mrs May promised to reinstate votes for life as David Cameron had pledged in his own electoral campaign, but the wheels were not set in motion until – mysteriously – after the Brexit referendum.
And now, it appears Mrs May's government is no further forward on the issue.
Chris Madsen has set up a petition on Change.org calling for Brits abroad to be able to enjoy their democratic rights, and is urging all expats to sign as quickly as possible.
Photograph: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on a State visit to Portugal, with its president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
Related Topics
KING Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's State visit to the United Kingdom has been put back by a week so as not to coincide with the snap general election called by Conservative prime minister Theresa May this week.
The first State visit in over 30 years to Britain, the King and Queen of Spain were due in the UK on June 6 to 8 inclusive, but the election will be held on June 8, as decided this week.
They will now visit between June 12 and 14, albeit this, too, could be risky depending upon the outcome of the elections and whether a new government – possibly even a coalition – needs to be formed.
It was Spain's own post-election mayhem that led to Felipe VI's and Letizia's visit being postponed in March – they were due to stay in Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II's favourite property, by personal invitation between March 8 and 10, but with Spain not having a government, this had to be put off.
And now it has been postponed a second time, but it is hoped that June 12 to 14 will be third time lucky for the Monarchs in their attempts to visit Britain.
They are expected to discuss bilateral relationships – the UK and Spain have long been close friends and allies – and, in particular, the fate of Spaniards living in Britain and Brits living in Spain in light of Brexit, something expats on both sides will be grateful to the royals for.
Sadly for British expats, the Conservatives' promise of 'votes for life' has not been processed and those living outside the UK for 15 years or more are still unable to cast their ballots in the snap election – a vote which could be crucial if another party promises to stop Brexit as part of its campaign.
Mrs May promised to reinstate votes for life as David Cameron had pledged in his own electoral campaign, but the wheels were not set in motion until – mysteriously – after the Brexit referendum.
And now, it appears Mrs May's government is no further forward on the issue.
Chris Madsen has set up a petition on Change.org calling for Brits abroad to be able to enjoy their democratic rights, and is urging all expats to sign as quickly as possible.
Photograph: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia on a State visit to Portugal, with its president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
Related Topics
More News & Information
'BRAVE' servicemen and women who will spend Christmas overseas are 'making Spain proud', president Pedro Sánchez assured them during his annual festive message via video-call.
NEWLY sworn-in national president Pedro Sánchez is now starting the challenging task of building his cabinet among a very divided coalition, although several names from his previous tenure are tipped to be returning to...
A NEW and limited-edition €2 coin will be in circulation in Spain until the end of this year to mark the country's Council of Europe presidency 'shift', the Royal mint has revealed.