Your royal correspondent was on the streets of Madrid today to watch Princess Leonor being sworn in as the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne on her 18th birthday.As the king (Felipe VI) was born in 1968 she will have have to wait many years before that burden falls on her slender shoulders, I hope. After she was sworn in by parliament she did a walk-about before travelling by car (Rolls Royce, glass topped, natch) with her sister preceded by her parents in another Roller, both cars hemmed in by a detachment of mounted cavalry. Her parents made no display of affection to their people – largely monarchists it seemed to me – so as not to distract attention from their daughters. They waved like crazy and team Blog Bellew reciprocated enthusiastically. The royal family and team BB then bifurcated to different destinations for lunch.
Last night we had dinner with an old friend – she was a client for forty years or so and morphed into becoming a good friend – who dished the dirt on the political landscape in Spain and other matters of interest to us; thank you, Clara. She made it abundantly clear there is in Spain a political chasm between Left and Right wing politicians and voters. This reflects the wider picture in continental Europe and maybe the United States. As an amateur historian I can only recall the 30s – the 1930s – and feel fearful.
Re political chasm, I think USA is in a worse position than any European country even Spain. More guns in US. Given the knock on effect to the US global policeman role, it could be the biggest current threat despite the competition.
What an interesting time you have had in Madrid. A really tip top destination.