Are Spain's royals out of touch with the art world in Italy?

Spain's royal couple, Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI, commenced their state visit to Italy, marking an important opportunity to strengthen ties between the two nations. Their first destination was the Royal Academy of Spain in Rome where they met with the Hispanitas Italiano Association to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The event saw attendance from around 500 Spanish citizens residing in Italy, including various professionals such as artists and business people, illustrating the strong community links existing between the two countries. During the visit, the King highlighted the significance of the gathering, thanking everyone for their warm welcome and emphasizing the connections shared between Spain and Italy. The couple's itinerary also included a planned meeting with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for lunch, underscoring the political aspects intertwined with their cultural engagements. Following their time in Rome, King Felipe was scheduled to deliver a lecture at the historic Teatro San Carlo in Naples as part of the 800th anniversary celebrations of the University of Naples Federico II. Despite the ceremonial nature of this visit, it comes on the heels of a turbulent period for the Spanish royal family, particularly after they faced backlash during their visit to Valencia. Following devastating floods that impacted the region, Letizia and Felipe VI were met with anger from locals who expressed their frustrations over perceived government inaction. During their attempts to comfort residents, they encountered hostile reactions, which highlighted some of the challenges the royal family has faced in maintaining a positive public image. The juxtaposition of the royal couple's recent challenges and their current visit indicates a complex relationship with their constituents while trying to balance diplomatic responsibilities on international stages. As they move through Rome and beyond, their actions and the responses from the public will be closely monitored, raising questions about their effectiveness and relevance in modern Spain and the role of monarchy in addressing contemporary issues. Overall, their Italian state visit presents both a celebratory occasion and an opportunity for reflection on the ongoing relationship between Spain and Italy, as well as the broader responsibilities of the monarchy in turbulent times.