Yesterday’s visit to Jaén had long been on the kings’ to-do list, as the original appointment had to be postponed due to the blackout in April 2025. Still, the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled hardly explains the frenzy that erupted at the sight of the monarchs. Felipe VI and Letizia went to the capital of Jaén to attend the festivities marking the 1,200th anniversary of its status as capital, with a program packed with meetings and visits. And, as is often the case, the most memorable moments occurred in the gaps, where the Kings met the people.
It had been a long time since such a sea of people gathered around the royals, with this festive and joyful tone. Unfortunately, in recent years there have been crowds drawn to the Kings for ominous reasons, as happened during the wildfires last September or after the Valencia rain-dana. Seeing how the presence of Queen Letizia and King Felipe inspires in times of social peace is as important as watching them bring comfort.
Yesterday’s schedule for the Kings’ visit to Jaén left little room for improvisation, as is typical in their official agenda. Everything is measured to the millimeter, but at any moment a surprise can emerge, especially if Queen Letizia is nearby. Although she is exceedingly disciplined, her naturalness represents an invaluable asset for an institution based on predictability. And the best part is that King Felipe follows her without issues.
Queen Letizia wanted to pick up a baby in Jaén.
Under a spectacular winter sun, the Kings arrived around noon at the Town Hall and found a Santa María Square already crowded. Indeed, as they stepped out of the official car to greet the municipal corporation, madness broke out, with shouts, greetings, applause, cheers, and a wild wave of flags. In fact, the crowd accompanied them in all their movements of the morning, demanding their attention.
Back inside the Town Hall, they had to come out onto the balcony to greet the Jaén residents who did not tire of acclaiming them. Minutes later they decided to come out and approach the security barrier to speak directly with fans and onlookers, who were able to say a few words to the Kings and shake their hands. Yet, as always, Queen Letizia attended to more outstretched hands, chatted away, and was terribly moved by the youngest ones.
The Queen Letizia couldn’t help but pick up a baby
The photo of Queen Letizia with a baby in her arms has already gone viral on Instagram and other digital showcases. Of course: the image shows the Queen in full grandmother mode. Those present in the scene testified that the mother of Leonor and Sofia was utterly beaming with the little one: clearly, the desire to have more babies at Zarzuela is present. However, Letizia’s sweetness did not stop at this little one.
Letizia in grandmother mode with a girl, in Jaén.
In addition to gracefully holding the baby who approached her, Queen Letizia had tender gestures with some girls who had come with their mothers to see her. She greeted them, touched their hands and cheeks, and did not hesitate when they leaned in for a royal embrace. In those moments of total closeness, there was as much joy in the girls’ faces as in Queen Letizia’s. We can confirm: children take to her like a natural.
Letizia agreed to join a video call
In reality, the Kings were entirely engaged with the people of Jaén, and the people with the monarchs. So much so that Queen Letizia even agreed to join a video call with someone who had not been able to approach the Town Hall and who, like many others, wished to greet the Queen in person. Witnessing these scenes is always surprising, because no one expects monarchs to be so accommodating with everyone. They rarely refuse a request for a photo or a greeting.
The day’s program included a visit to the exhibition “Jaén: 825-2025” in the Condestable Palace, which revisits twelve centuries of history since, in the time of Abd Al-Rahman II, the ancient Aurgi transformed into the madina of Yayyan, capital of the Islamic province. Afterwards, still on foot, Kings Felipe and Letizia and the accompanying delegation entered the Arab baths at the Villardompardo Palace, one of the city’s most emblematic monumental complexes and a reference point of Andalusian historical heritage.
