This Wednesday, December 20, has been a very special day for the eldest daughter of the emeritus kings, Don Juan Carlos and Doña Sofía. Felipe VI’s sister celebrated her 60th birthday surrounded by many members of her family. A completely unexpected event that will undoubtedly mark a before and after in the royal family.
Initially, it had been speculated that the big celebration was going to take place at the Zarzuela Palace, but finally the members of the Royal Family have decided to celebrate the birthday in a central location in the capital. The chosen place was the Pabú restaurant, located on Panama Street in Madrid, near the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
The surprise came when the Kings, Don Felipe and Doña Letizia, appeared near the restaurant to accompany Infanta Elena on such a special day. The arrival of the monarchs has been one of the most talked about topics of the day since it was going to be the first event in which Felipe VI and his father, King Juan Carlos, were going to coincide, arriving in the Spanish capital at 11 :30 in the morning from Geneva. Of course, it has not been possible to capture any joint image of both, since they have entered and left the place separately.
After the celebration, the media were able to capture one of the most curious moments of the evening starring two members of the royal family. Infanta Elena and her father, King Juan Carlos, captured all the attention of those present with a very particular greeting.
The striking farewell between the older sister of Felipe VI and the king emeritus is a deep-rooted custom in the royal family. This is a common greeting between believing parents and children. A very peculiar habit that dates back to the time of Alfonso XIII and that Don Juan Carlos himself already performed with his mother, María de las Mercedes de Borbón y Orleans.
The two children of Infanta Elena, Victoria Federica and Froilán, did not want to miss the celebration either, who entered the restaurant avoiding making statements. For her part, Queen Sofía arrived very well accompanied by her other daughter, Infanta Cristina. Present with her were three of her children, Irene, Pablo and Juan Valentín. Infanta Doña Margarita and her husband, Carlos Zurita, were other guests at the great celebration.