Queen Letizia of Spain was back in Palma today to preside over the opening of the 2022-2023 School years. This was Queen’s second public engagement since her return from summer break. In Madrid, King Felipe VI made a school run and dropped Infanta Sofia at school on her first day of last year of ESO.
The school session opening is an annual event and a staple part of Queen Letizia’s Royal calendar. Every year, Queen Letizia chooses a couple of schools to visit and learn more about the educational system and ongoing changes in the country. This year’s destination was Los Llanos de Aridane in La Palma.
Letizia visited three schools – Princess Acerina Center, an occupational therapy center, which houses the CEIP “Los Campitos”, CEIP “Todoque”, destroyed by the volcano, and the CEIP “María Milagros Acosta” which is not yet operational due to toxic emissions from Puerto Naos.
Upon arrival, Letizia was received by the President of the Government of the Canary Islands and the Minister of Education and Vocational Training. Then she visited the Princess Acerina Center where she was welcomed by the Director of the CEIP “Los Campitos”, the Director of the CEIP “Todoque” and the Director of the CEIP “María Milagros Acosta”.
Outside the center, members of the public were gathered to meet the Queen.
A video of the day.
A commemorating plaque was unveiled to mark the visit.
Then Dona Letizia started the tour of the center where she visited various classrooms of 3rd to 6th grades. Letizia met with the staff and students during the visit.
The next stop was the CEIP “María Milagros Acosta” where she learned about the after-effects of the last year’s volcano eruption and how badly it has affected the ongoing education at the center. Once again Letizia met with the students and school staff and stood for a group photograph.
A brief meeting was held with teachers and a parent representative group.
The last stop of the day was Puerto Naos, where she had the opportunity to observe the evolution of the recovery works after the damage caused by the volcanic eruption. The students of the “Los Campitos” and “Todoque” Early Childhood and Primary Education Centers (CEIP), were devastated by lava, and the “María Milagros Acosta” CEIP in the town of Puerto Naos, temporarily moved to the old Center of Special Education (CEE) “Princesa Acerina”, located in Los Llanos de Aridane.
Letizia walked around the area and saw the damage left behind by the volcano. She was shown the plans for rehabilitation and ongoing work.
The Queen also met with the Locals and learned about the situation and the devastating effects the locals have on their day-to-day life.
Moving towards Queen Letizia Style – Letizia chose a simple black-based outfit as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who died yesterday at Balmoral Castle.
Letizia was wearing her black Sandro Blouse.
The Queen paired it with a white polka dot Massimo Dutti skirt that The Duchess of Cambridge also owns.
Letizia teamed up the outfit with black Castaner wedges
her Jose Louis earrings
and Karen Hallam ring.
Yesterday, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia sent a lovely message to King Charles III on the demise of his mother Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The message reads,
“Your Majesty, dearest Charles,
Deeply saddened by the sorrowful news of the passing away of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, your beloved Mother, 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.
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 and Northern Ireland set an example for all of us and will remain 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”
In Madrid, the Royal Script will fly at half-staff at royal sites in the presence of HM the King. The Royal Palace also shared a few lovely pictures of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia with Queen Elizabeth II.
The Spanish Royal couple had met Queen Elizabeth II on two occasions. First in July 2017 during the 3 days long State visit to the United Kingdom. During the visit, Queen Elizabeth appointed King Felipe of Spain a Supernumerary Knight of the noblest Order of the Garter, the highest distinction granted by the British monarchy.
The next time the couple met Queen Elizabeth II was in June 2019 when they joined her at the Order of Garter service.
Today, The Royal couple will also visit the British High Commissioner’s residence to sign the condolence book and pay their tribute to Her Majesty.
