Queen Letizia confronts Giorgia Meloni in a tense state visit

On December 10, 2024, in Italy's capital Rome, King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia conducted a state visit, marking their first day of a two-day excursion to the country. They met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where discussions highlighted the importance of Spain-Italy relations. Queen Letizia made a style statement by wearing a pale pink embroidered skirt suit, elegantly complemented by matching accessories, while King Felipe chose a more formal dark suit and a pale blue tie. The meeting took place at villa Doria Pamphili, which is part of the government headquarters, emphasizing the official nature of their visit. The previous day, the royal couple attended an event at the Royal Academy of Spain to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Hispanitas Italiano Association. This institution focuses on fostering connections between Italian and Spanish researchers interested in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. A significant turnout of around 500 Spanish expatriates attended this event, including professionals from various sectors, showcasing the deep ties between Spain and Italy. During his address, King Felipe expressed gratitude for the warm welcome they received, highlighting the sense of community among the Spanish citizens in Italy. Following their successful engagements in Rome, the visit was set to continue in Naples on December 12, 2024. Here, King Felipe was scheduled to deliver a lecture at Teatro San Carlo and receive an honorary degree in Social Sciences and Statistics from the University of Naples Federico II, celebrating the university’s 800th anniversary. This degree is symbolic of the recognition given to his contributions and the contributions of Spain to educational exchanges in the region. Overall, this state visit reflects the ongoing commitment between Spain and Italy to strengthen bilateral relations through cultural and educational exchanges, as well as emphasizing the roles of their royal families in fostering connection and goodwill between their nations.