Else Beekman
The Spanish Royal Family has dedicated this year’s Christmas greeting to honouring the victims of the devastating DANA (isolated high-altitude depression) that swept across Spain on 29 October, claiming over 220 lives.
Their festive card features a photograph from the 10th-anniversary celebrations of King Felipe VI’s reign. Furthermore there is a poignant poem by Francisco Brines.
A poetic tribute to the fallen
Traditionally, the royal Christmas card includes a simple message on the inside. However, this year, a significant change has been made. Alongside the usual text, a fragment of Francisco Brines’ award-winning poem Un rastro de felicidad has been added to commemorate the deceased, their families, and the over 800,000 individuals affected by the disaster. The excerpt reads:
“And I search for a face that reflects light, someone who, like me, possessing only death, also has, as I once did, conquering it, life.”
Francisco Brines is a celebrated Valencian poet and recipient of the 2020 Cervantes Prize. He received the honour from King Felipe and Queen Letizia at his home in Oliva shortly before his passing. Zarzuela Palace highlighted the unique nature of this gesture, as typically they award Cervantes Prizes at the University of Alcalá de Henares.
A personal family portrait
The card’s cover features an intimate photograph of King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía taken inside the Royal Palace. The picture was captured on 19 June during the ceremonial changing of the Royal Guard. Moreover, this marked the beginning of the 10th-anniversary celebrations of Felipe VI’s ascension to the throne.
Inside, the card wishes recipients a Merry Christmas and a hopeful New Year, with messages in both Spanish and English. “Feliz Navidad; juntos emprenderemos con confianza el nuevo año 2025” and “Merry Christmas and may we all face the New Year with greater confidence.” The text is personally signed by the King, Queen, and their daughters, accompanied by the handwritten sentiment, “With our best wishes and great affection.” The card concludes with an image and the official motto of the King’s 10th-anniversary celebrations: “Service, Commitment, and Duty,” a theme that will continue to define the royal family’s messaging until 19 June 2025.
A simpler greeting from the former Monarchs
In a separate release, the emeritus King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía shared their own Christmas card. Their greeting features an image of the “Retablo de la Capilla Mayor” from the Toledo Cathedral and a straightforward message: “Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo 2025,” accompanied by their signatures.