Spanish King & Queen Tour New Zealand

Monday saw the King and Queen of Spain on a state visit to New Zealand. They will be there for two days as part of strengthening ties between the two nations.

“I am delighted to host King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia.  Their visit presents a unique opportunity to enhance understanding and visibility of New Zealand at the highest levels in Spain,” Prime Minister John Key said in a press release.

“New Zealand’s relationship with Spain is on the cusp of an exciting phase of further development, with the prospect of increased trade, investment and tourism.

“Our two countries are also seeking to expand education, science and technology, and cultural links.”

Upon arriving in Auckland, the royals toured a maritime museum, where they unveiled a plaque in honor of Sir Peter Blake. The museum was in particular interest to the King and Queen, having both done competitive sailing in their younger days.

Later in the day, Juan Carlos and Sofia stopped by the University of Auckland. At the school, they met with Spanish students, and learned that Spanish is the most popular European language on campus.

Tuesday will see the royal couple travel to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. There, they will open the Spanish embassy, plus meet with Prime Minister Key.

On Thursday, the King and Queen will travel west to Australia for a couple of days there.

This is the first time the Spanish monarchs have visited Oceania in 21 years. Their son, Crown Prince Felipe, traveled to this region in 1990, being the last time a Spanish royal ever set foot there.