King Felipe VI

Following the serious migration crisis in Ceuta in summer 2026, the possibility of Felipe VI visiting the autonomous city sparks domestic controversy over relations between Zarzuela Palace and Moncloa and considerable diplomatic sensitivity with Morocco. The government denies vetoing the trip. In early September, Felipe VI also meets the Defence Minister and military leaders for a briefing on Ceuta from a defence perspective, a gesture discussed for its political and symbolic significance.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Institutional responsibility

At the UN General Assembly, Felipe VI calls on Israel to end what he describes as a 'massacre' in Gaza, while condemning Hamas terrorism and reaffirming the two-state solution. The speech provokes strong reactions on Spain's right and far right; Isabel Díaz Ayuso notably argues that 'the King reigns but does not govern' and should remain a conciliatory figure.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

During a visit to Paiporta after the deadly Valencia floods, Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and political leaders are confronted by residents who throw mud and shout their anger over delayed alerts and emergency assistance. Despite the incidents, the King remains on site and speaks with residents.

State of the evidence

Documented

Investigations targeting Juan Carlos I reignite debate over the scope of the sitting King's inviolability under Article 56.3 of the Constitution. Pedro Sánchez says he favours restricting it and, in 2021–2022, the government discusses reform with the PP and Royal Household before abandoning it. A later parliamentary initiative by the PNV is also blocked.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Felipe VI publishes his personal assets for the first time, valued at €2,573,392.80, consisting mainly of deposits, savings and investments, as well as artworks, antiques and jewellery. Zarzuela Palace states that he owns neither real estate nor assets abroad. The disclosure forms part of measures intended to reduce opacity historically associated with the monarchy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In 2020, El País reports a Telegraph investigation claiming that Felipe and Letizia's 2004 honeymoon cost approximately $467,000, funded by Juan Carlos I and businessman Josep Cusí, whose company Navilot allegedly paid approximately $269,000. The revelation revives questions about gifts, private benefits and financial opacity within the former Royal Household.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Against the backdrop of Juan Carlos I's financial scandals and the Catalan crisis, the Parliament of Catalonia adopts a motion rejecting the monarchy and criticising Felipe VI. The episode illustrates the scale of institutional opposition to the Crown in part of the Catalan political landscape.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Documents concerning the Lucum and Zagatka foundations, structures associated with Juan Carlos I's finances, name Felipe VI as a potential beneficiary. The Royal Household states that Felipe learnt in March 2019 that he had allegedly been designated Lucum's second beneficiary, that he recorded his refusal in a notarised document and, in March 2020, publicly renounced any inheritance or assets from his father whose origins did not comply with legality or integrity, while ending Juan Carlos's allowance.

State of the evidence

Documented

After the government decides that Felipe VI will not attend a graduation ceremony for new judges in Barcelona, the King phones Carlos Lesmes, President of the General Council of the Judiciary, and tells him he would have liked to be present. Disclosure of the exchange leads Unidas Podemos ministers to accuse the monarch of departing from political neutrality and 'manoeuvring' against the government.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following the Catalan independence referendum of 1 October 2017, Felipe VI accuses Catalan authorities of disloyalty and calls on the institutions of the state to restore constitutional order. Independence supporters, parts of the left and certain observers criticise him for not calling for dialogue or mentioning people injured during police interventions. Girona City Council declares him persona non grata, a decision confirmed in 2018.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Messages entered into judicial proceedings and published in 2016 show that Felipe VI and Letizia sent messages of support to their friend Javier López Madrid after the Caja Madrid opaque 'black cards' scandal broke. López Madrid was then subject to proceedings in the 'black cards' and Púnica affairs, prompting controversy over the royal couple's private associations.

State of the evidence

Confirmed

Attribution

Personally implicated

As Infanta Cristina is due to stand trial in the Nóos affair and the scandal fuels a crisis of confidence in the Crown, Felipe VI revokes her right to use the title of Duchess of Palma. The measure forms part of the transparency and exemplary conduct programme launched at the beginning of his reign.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

On the day of Felipe VI's proclamation, demonstrations take place in Madrid and numerous other cities demanding a republic and a referendum on the form of government. In Madrid, eleven people are arrested during gatherings.

State of the evidence

Documented