The Kings have returned to Cuenca this Thursday, the city where they began the first stage of their honeymoon the day after celebrating their wedding at the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Felipe and Letizia presided over the inauguration of the new University Hospital on Thursday and then paid a visit to the city hall of the city famous for the uniqueness of its hanging houses.
On May 23, 2004, while the whole world was waiting to see what the newlyweds’ honeymoon destination would be, the then Prince and Princess of Asturias surprised everyone by appearing in Cuenca, where they began a route that would also take them to Albarracín (Teruel), Zaragoza, Sos del Rey Católico (Zaragoza), Olite (Navarra), and San Sebastián in the following days. It was their way of getting closer to the people and receiving direct congratulations from the citizens who had followed the celebrations of their wedding in the previous days. In all the towns, Felipe and Letizia were greeted with genuine crowds that highlighted their popularity. After the Spanish leg, the newlyweds embarked on the second part of their honeymoon, starting in Jordan and continuing on to Cambodia and the Fiji Islands.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, during their visit on Thursday to the City Hall of Cuenca, after inaugurating the new University Hospital
José del Olmo / EFE
This Thursday they have returned to Cuenca, after celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, in a royal manner, with an equally warm welcome from the citizens who have not forgotten their gesture towards this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its hanging houses overlooking the sheer cliff of the Huécar and Júcar rivers.
For her visit, the Queen has chosen a burgundy pantsuit by the French brand Sézane, paired with a beige silk blouse, a quilted leather bag by Adolfo Domínguez in a raw color, and low-heeled beige suede ankle boots. To shield herself from the cold outside, the Queen has covered up with a camel coat.
In their dedication in the town hall’s guest book, Felipe and Letizia have recalled their first visit to the city as “newlyweds”
Royal House
The kings have started their stay in Cuenca by presiding over the opening of the new University Hospital of Cuenca, which has cost around 200 million euros and has been equipped with cutting-edge technology, such as the first AI-powered MRI machine installed in Spain.
Upon their arrival, Felipe and Letizia were greeted by the President of Castilla-La Mancha, Emiliano García-Page, as well as other institutional figures such as the Minister of Health, Mónica García; the Mayor of Cuenca, Darío Dolz; and the Government Delegate in Castilla-La Mancha, Milagros Tolón.
Next, the Kings went to the town hall, where they were accompanied by the mayor to greet the municipal corporation. Felipe and Letizia signed the town hall’s guest book with a dedication, written by the King, in which he recalled their first visit to the city as “newlyweds.”