PRESIDENT of Spain Pedro Sánchez has travelled to the British Embassy in Madrid to give his condolences in person, and Madrid has declared three days of mourning for the world's second-longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
Books of condolence have been set up in the UK embassies in Alicante, Bilbao, Málaga, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.
Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced that the city hall flags would fly at half-mast for the three days following the passing of HRH Elizabeth II, and that the Cibeles fountain and city hall itself would be lit up at night during that time in the colours of the British flag.
Sra Ayuso called the late British Queen 'an iconic 20th-century woman who was able to reinvent herself and adapt to the 21st century, whilst also leaving her own, personal stamp on it'.
“A symbol of continuity, stability, of a community of people and faith that extends throughout the entire world,” the regional president tweeted at 21.30 on Thursday, just two hours after the news broke on every continent simultaneously.
Madrid's Cibeles fountain lit up in the colours of the British flag in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The entire capital region has declared three days of mourning (photo: Marca)
Madrid's mayor tweeted in English that the people of the city offered their 'sincere condolences'.
Pedro Sánchez, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia met with UK Ambassador Hugh Elliott in the 24 hours following the monarch's passing, and have signed the condolences books.
Gibraltar's First Minister, Fabián Picardo, has also signed the condolence book at the British Embassy, writing: “We were your rock, and you were ours.”
From 'Felipe' to 'Dearest Charles': “We will miss her dearly”
It is likely Felipe VI will attend the funeral, provisionally due to take place on September 19, although he and his father, the retired King Juan Carlos I, will 'discuss the best representation' of Spain.
Juan Carlos I has confirmed he will not be travelling to London from Abu Dhabi, where he now lives – normally, only one national representative, with or without their spouse, would attend a head of State's funeral, and Juan Carlos I has said that if any of the Spanish Royals are there, it should be his son, the reigning monarch.
King Felipe VI has written to 'His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland', as the former Prince Charles now is – and who has confirmed he will reign using his given name.
Left to right: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh; Queen Letizia; Queen Elizabeth II; King Felipe VI, during the Spanish monarchs' State visit to the UK in 2017 (photo by the Royal Household on Twitter, @CasaReal)
The official communication from the Royal Household in Spain, signed off purely as 'Felipe', was entirely in English, a language the Spanish King and his wife, Queen Letizia are fluent in.
“Your Majesty, Dearest Charles,” the missive began, mirroring the letter sent in April last year to Queen Elizabeth II herself after her husband Prince Philip passed away, and which was addressed to her as 'Dearest Aunt Lilibet'.
“Deeply saddened by the sorrowful news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, your beloved mother,” Felipe VI wrote.
“I would like to offer Your Majesty and the British people on my behalf and on behalf of the Spanish government and people, our most heartfelt condolences.
Spain's president Pedro Sánchez (right) with British Ambassador Hugh Elliott (left). Sánchez met with Elliott to give his condolences in person
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has undoubtedly witnessed, written and shaped many of the most relevant chapters in the history of our world during the last seven decades. Her sense of duty, commitment and a whole life devoted to serving the people of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland set an example for all of us and will remain as a solid and valuable legacy for future generations.
“Queen Letizia and I send Your Majesty and the whole family our love and prayers. You are all in our hearts and thoughts.
“We will miss her dearly.
“With all my friendship and affection,
Felipe.”
State visits: To Spain in 1988 and to UK in 2017
HRHs Felipe VI and Letizia were received by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in summer 2017, on their first official visit since becoming reigning monarchs in Spain.
Due to the close ties between the two Royal families, theirs was a State visit, and it was rumoured they would have the rare honour of staying with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, the former's favourite residence and one that few international monarchs ever set foot in.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip only made one State visit to Spain – in 1988, when the latter nation had not long become a member of the European Union, and the Royals receiving them were King Juan Carlos I and his wife, Queen Sofía.
Queen Letizia signs the condolences book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the British Embassy in Madrid. Also pictured, British Ambassador Hugh Elliott (left) and King Felipe VI (right). Photo from the Royal Household on Twitter (@CasaReal)
Queen Elizabeth II was born on April 21, 1926, in Mayfair, London, and passed away on September 8, 2022 in Balmoral Castle, Scotland.
She became Queen on February 6, 1952, pledging to serve in the rôle until the end of her natural life.
In doing so, she became the oldest reigning monarch in history, remaining on the throne for 70 years, seven months and two days, or 70 years and 214 days in total.
The only other monarch who reigned longer was Louis XIV of France, who was on the throne from 1643 to 1715, a total of 72 years and 110 days.
