The Spanish monarchs’ state visit to Egypt has come to an end, leaving behind a sense of unequivocal success and strengthened ties. This trip went far beyond protocol meetings, turning into a true immersion in history and culture. This was especially evident in King Felipe’s genuine enthusiasm, as he eagerly documented every moment with his mobile phone—from the launch ceremony for the new lighting system at the Temple of Hatshepsut to the unique views of Luxor. The royal couple displayed remarkable warmth in their interactions, a quality not lost on observers, who noted the almost familial atmosphere of the journey.
The highlight of the trip was an exclusive visit to the Valley of the Kings. Accompanied by leading Spanish archaeologists Miriam Seco and José Manuel Galán, the King and Queen descended into the tombs of Pharaohs Ramses V, Ramses VI, and Seti I. This was more than a simple viewing of antiquities. Long corridors carved deep into the rock, their walls covered in hieroglyphs and paintings created three thousand years ago, seemed to come alive thanks to the scholars’ commentary. Felipe and Letizia, like any couple captivated by ancient beauty, listened with genuine interest to stories of the discoveries and mysteries held by these tombs, exchanging impressions and gestures full of mutual understanding.
The visit highlighted Spain’s significant contribution to the preservation of Egyptian heritage. The monarchs’ presence at the inauguration of the lighting project for Queen-Pharaoh Hatshepsut’s temple, carried out by a Spanish company, became a symbol of this cooperation. However, these ties have deep roots. Back in the 1960s, Spanish specialists took part in a UNESCO mission to save Nubian monuments from flooding during the construction of the Aswan Dam. As a token of gratitude, Egypt presented Spain with a priceless gift—the Temple of Debod, which was carefully relocated and today adorns one of Madrid’s parks.
However, Queen Letizia’s program was not limited to the splendor of the pharaohs. She visited a place strikingly different from tourist routes—Cairo’s “City of the Dead.” This vast area, built on the site of an ancient cemetery, is now home to a million people. Here, in neighborhoods where residential buildings stand alongside ancient mausoleums, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation implements projects to support women and children. The Queen observed the work of craft workshops where locals learn jewelry making and leather working. Later, she admitted that what she saw made a strong impression on her, calling the contrast between this place and the treasures of Luxor very stark.
The farewell to Egypt was as warm as the entire trip itself. Egyptian workers cooperating with Spanish archaeological missions saw off the royal couple with a song in Arabic, celebrating the friendship between the two nations walking hand in hand. This visit, filled with history, diplomacy, and human warmth, has undoubtedly opened a new chapter in relations between Madrid and Cairo.
