In a deeply symbolic and spiritually resonant visit, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain traveled to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat to attend the central event marking the millennium anniversary of the iconic Catalan abbey. Summer is always busy for the Spanish King and Queen with out of capital city visits to various places in the country highlighting its their historic, social and economic significance.
Founded in 1025 by Abbot Oliba, the Monastery of Montserrat has stood as a beacon of Benedictine spirituality, Catalan identity, and cultural resilience. The visit marked the first by the royal couple as King and Queen, their last appearance here dating back to 2011 during their time as Prince and Princess of Asturias and Girona. The event paid tribute to Abbot Oliba’s vision of peace and dialogue, with a strong emphasis on Benedictine values as tools for conflict resolution in today’s global landscape.
Their Majesties arrived at the monastery at approximately 3:00 PM local time, though the official welcome ceremony had to be relocated to the abbey’s private gardens due to protests in the basilica square—highlighting the still-sensitive nature of Catalonia’s political landscape. They were received by Abbot Manel Gasch, who had formally extended the invitation after the King personally expressed interest in joining the commemorative event.
The visit began with a private prayer before the Black Madonna (La Moreneta), Catalonia’s revered patron saint since 1881. The moment was solemn, respectful, and deeply meaningful—emphasizing the monarchy’s recognition of Montserrat’s spiritual significance.
Following this, the couple took their seats for the central commemorative ceremony inside the basilica, which included remarks from:
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Abbot Manel Gasch, who delicately spoke of Catalan self-governance and linguistic rights, referencing the medieval Pau i Treva assemblies—a nod to Catalonia’s independent political heritage.
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Abbot Roberto Dotta of Sant Pau Extramuros (Rome), and
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Father Ignasi Fossas, Abbot President of the Benedictine Congregation of Sublancenca Cassinesa.
King Felipe VI followed with a speech reflecting on Benedictine principles of dialogue, unity, and spiritual resilience, seen by many as a carefully worded attempt to mend past tensions.
Later in the afternoon, King Felipe and Queen Letizia headed to the Badia del Valls, where they inaugurated the participatory mural that pays tribute to the Barcelona population and that has been made to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the housing polygon that began the history of the city.
The couple stood for a group photograph with the municipal authority and then signed the guest book. The visit marked the 50th anniversary of Badia del Vallès, established in 1975 as a housing solution for thousands of working-class families, primarily migrants from Andalucía and Extremadura, addressing Barcelona’s housing crisis in the 1970s. The town symbolizes the contributions of immigrant laborers to Catalonia’s industrial growth during the 1960s and 1970s.
They were welcomed by hundreds of residents, described as a “warm reception”. Felipe and Letizia unveiled a participatory mural honoring the town’s residents and commemorating the 50th anniversary. The mural symbolized Badia’s collective identity and its history as a “city of welcome” for migrant families pursuing new opportunities.
The design of the mural, by the company Imperdible, has been part of the previous workshops that this company carried out together with the first generations of Badienses. The mural collects the elements that marked the beginnings of Badia del Valls. Felipe and Letizia also visited the occupational workshop at the Pere Claver Center – Fundació Tallers, a facility dedicated to the social, educational, and laboral inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities or mental health challenges. They interacted with staff and participants, highlighting the center’s role in community integration.
What Queen Letizia wore for her visit to Monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat
As always, Queen Letizia masterfully balanced diplomacy and style. For the solemn occasion, she re-wore a refined yet relaxed Carolina Herrera Seam and Belt Detailed Denim Dress, which she first debuted at the Retina ECO Awards in September 2024.
But this time, Letizia transformed the look with bold, contrasting accessories:
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✨ New Pertegaz Waterfall Earrings, adding a touch of contemporary glamour.
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💍 Her signature Coreterno ring, offering continuity in her understated symbolism.
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👜 A unique and eye-catching Olivia Mareque Olivia Bag in gold and red tones.
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👠 And for footwear, she debuted the Sézane Paula Babies in rich red, adding a vibrant Catalan touch.
Her choice of red and gold accessories felt intentional, perhaps reflecting both Spain’s national colors and a subtle nod to Catalonia’s Senyera flag—a quiet, elegant bridge between regions.