A year after the devastating flood that claimed 237 lives, a state memorial service was held in Valencia. Though meticulously orchestrated for restraint, the ceremony could not hide the profound pain that still fills the region. Amidst this grief and lingering anger, the royal couple, Felipe and Letizia, again became a symbol of comfort and unity, just as they were in the days immediately following the tragedy.
Their arrival at the Science Museum, where around 800 relatives of the victims had gathered, instantly changed the tense atmosphere. Protests targeting the President of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mason—whom some families blame for the events—subsided only with the monarchs’ appearance. Their compassion and support throughout this difficult year have been a balm for wounded hearts. Many in attendance held photos of their children, parents, or spouses whose lives were cut short by the disaster.
On this day, Queen Letizia’s face reflected the collective pain. Entering the hall with a deeply solemn expression after meeting with the first family groups, she struggled to contain her emotions. During the national anthem, tears shimmered in her eyes, revealing her shock not only at the tragedy itself but also at the grief-filled, tense atmosphere. She listened intently to a speech by Andrea Ferrari Canut, a young woman speaking on behalf of all those affected, and during a break, she offered her words of support.
After the official part, which included a wreath-laying ceremony, the King and Queen did not hurry to leave. They stayed to once again listen to those who needed their support. Dozens of women approached Letizia, seeking understanding and compassion in her embrace. The Queen, listening over and over to heartbreaking stories, hugged and comforted the crying people, sharing in their grief.
King Felipe was more reserved, but his face also reflected deep empathy. He was a support not only for his subjects, but for his wife as well. Noticing how deeply she was moved by the relatives’ stories before the ceremony began, he reassuringly put his arm around her waist. Felipe was the only official who addressed the audience, highlighting the crown’s support and the importance of a continued investigation into the causes of the tragedy. In the end, he showed touching care for a young girl, gently wiping away her tears with the back of his hand.
One of the women, Toni Garcia, who lost her husband and daughter in the flooded parking lot, shared details of her conversation with the Queen. She told Letizia that she was a fortunate mother, as she could still hug and kiss her daughters every day—a luxury Toni herself would never have again. According to her, she felt tremendous warmth and concern from the Queen, who sincerely wanted to know how she was coping with her loss.
