Christmas Greetings from the Spanish Royal Family

King Juan Carlos and his family released their Christmas cards on the Casa de Majestad el Rey website yesterday. The monarch’s card depicted a Nativity scene with Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. Prince Felipe opted for a pose with his wife and two daughters whilst Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina chose photos which featured just their children.


Photos: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey

The Football Celebration Continues at Zarzuela Palace

King Juan Carlos proudly held the trophy again whilst he met with Spain’s football team at Zarzuela Palace today. He was joined by Queen Sofía, Infanta Elena and the Prince and Princess of Asturias. They congratulated the team and admired the trophy. Spain won the UEFA Euro 2008 against Germany on June 29th.

Photo: REUTERS

Spain Rejoices as Football Team Wins Euro Final over Germany

It was a sweet victory for Spain’s football team as they scored the only goal in the final match against Germany in the 2008 European Championships. The game took place at the Ernst-Happel stadium in Vienna, Austria today. The last time Spain claimed the European Championship trophy was in 1964. King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía attended the final match along with their eldest daughter, Infanta Elena. Also present was sports enthusiast Prince Albert of Monaco and his girlfriend, Charlene Wittstock who were seated a couple of rows back from the Spanish monarch.

Photo: REUTERS

70th Birthday for King Juan Carlos of Spain

Today, King Juan Carlos of Spain celebrated his 70th milestone. The monarch will be feted with a lavish dinner on Wednesday. What could be considered as an annus horribilis for the Spanish royal family last year, Juan Carlos ended 2007 on a positive note by boosting the morale of Spanish troops serving in Afghanistan.

Juan Carlos was born on January 5, 1938 in Rome. He married Princess Sofia of Greece on May 14, 1962. He and Sofia have three children: Infanta Elena, Infanta Cristina and Prince Felipe. Their offspring have produced eight grandchildren: Felipe Juan Froilan, Juan Valentín, Victoria Federica, Pablo Nicolás, Miguel, Irene, Infanta Leonor and Infanta Sofía.

He ascended the throne on November 22, 1975. Since his enthronement, the king has proven vital to the restoration of democracy in Spain. The country is ruled by a parliamentary monarchy. Through his patronage influence, Juan Carlos has promoted “initiatives in the areas of economics, business, research and social advances” and has encouraged “solidarity at all levels of society in Spain.”

For his leisure, the king delights in sailing and skiing.

Photo: Casa de Su Majestad el Rey/DVirgili