King Felipe asked yesterday to be an “example to follow” and claimed “loyalty to the Crown and to Spain” in a speech on the occasion of the 450th anniversary of the Royal Master of Ronda on the same day that his father was returning to Spain, in Sanxenxo, to take part in sailing regattas, so he has left his self-exile in Abu Dhabi for a few days. The message in front of a historical institution linked to the nobility also pointed to the values that Felipe VI considers to be a duty to transmit towards society and for the leadership and survival of the Crown: obligation, commitment, ethical reference, a ” worthy way of leading” and the “privilege understood solely as a service to others”
“You are active and beneficial institutions for society in this 21st century. It takes understanding, ability, competence and good judgment to survive for centuries and be useful in each one”, said the Head of State addressing the master’s students, whom he recognized “a great ability to adapt to the different stages historical”. And he also asked them to make a “renewal” effort in line with the constitutional spirit.
The King added that “in our constitutional and democratic Spain they have been able to see that ancestry and history entail, above all, obligation and commitment”. In these words addressed to the representatives of a historic institution, he emphasized that “privilege can only be understood with and as a service to others”.
Felipe VI delivered the speech behind closed doors at the same time that his father’s arrival at Vigo airport was awaited almost simultaneously 900 kilometers away. A visit that, as reported by this newspaper, has caused surprise and discomfort in the King’s House.
According to the Head of State, “influencing and contributing to improving our environment, with the unstoppable evolution imposed by new technologies, requires a better knowledge of the society in which we live”. And it also means “always being an example to follow at a time when models and ethical references are so necessary, this demanding and dignified way of leading…”.
Faced with an institution with 450 years of history, he also referred to the need to continue with an effort of “modernity” which, while still maintaining fidelity to tradition and history, also meant being at the head of the society
After the meeting with the extraordinary general meeting of the royal masters, the King greeted the president of the Andalusian Board, Juanma Moreno, in the Herradores patio in the bullring. From the box of authorities in this square, a classical dressage equestrian show followed. Felipe VI promised to return to walk the famous Caminito del Rey.
