King Felipe's niece recovers from 'emergency surgery'

THE initial panic is now over, but Juan Carlos I's and Queen Sofía's granddaughter Victoria Federica is still recovering in hospital after being rushed in for an emergency operation.

Daughter of the Infanta Elena – King Felipe VI's sister – and Elena's ex-husband Jaime de Marichalar, Victoria Federica had only just finished celebrating her 22nd birthday when she started feeling unwell and suffering unbearable abdominal pains.

The influencer, who does not hold any Royal titles – even though she is fifth in line to the throne - had been partying with friends in Madrid on Friday, watching her favourite bullfighter Roca Rey in Valladolid on Saturday, then had to call an ambulance on Sunday.

She was swiftly diagnosed with peritonitis, and had her appendix removed.

This condition, if caught in time, involves a very routine operation and recovery – although Victoria Federica said on Tuesday she was in a lot of pain still – but if left untreated, can be fatal.

Although her parents were said to be very worried, they continued at work whilst awaiting news.

The Infanta Elena who, along with her sister, the Infanta Cristina, no longer represents the Royal family in public or official engagements, is employed by MAPFRE insurance's social and charitable foundation – a similar job to that of Cristina, although the latter is with CaixaBank.

Elena was seen at her office on Monday, once her daughter had been operated on and was out of danger.

The situation was unknown at first, meaning when Jaime de Marichalar was asked about Victoria Federica during an annual charity dinner at the Recal Foundation on Monday, he was described as 'evasive' and 'uncomfortable'.

But when the news broke, his response made more sense.

Victoria, who continued living with her mother after the divorce, still has a very close relationship with her dad.

She was expected to be discharged around Tuesday or Wednesday, and would probably need medical supervision at home.

Named in very Royal tradition – both her maternal grandparents are Queen Victoria's great-great-grandchildren, and her own great-great-grandmother was Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg – Victoria's middle name, Federica, is the Spanish spelling of Princess Friederike of Hannover, mother of Queen Sofía, whose children are King Felipe and the Infantas Cristina and Elena.