Queen Letizia briefly fell while leaving a fishing boat during the royal family's visit to Llanes. She stood up on her own and confirmed she was well; the Pueblo Ejemplar programme continued as planned.
On 24 October 2026, the royal party had just finished looking over the Nuevo Sandra María in the port of Llanes, Asturias, when the departure briefly became unsettled. As the group prepared to leave the fishing vessel, Queen Letizia slipped on deck and fell. La Voz de Asturias reported that the boat was moving with the sea conditions; Letizia got back up smiling and continued with the visit.
People nearby helped make sure she was all right. She got back to her feet under her own power and confirmed she was well. El País reported that she stood within seconds with assistance, then continued walking normally.
The visit was part of the royal family's programme for the 2026 Pueblo Ejemplar award. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were joined by Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. The distinction went to the Cofradía de Pescadores Santa Ana, not to the municipality of Llanes. The Royal Household described the guild, whose origins date to the Middle Ages, as committed to traditional artisanal and coastal fishing, and cited its work in sustainability, innovation, solidarity, the study and dissemination of fishing culture, and efficient management.
The family toured the Nuevo Sandra María to see its layout and learn about its fishing operations in Llanes. The vessel was reported to belong to the guild’s armador and patrón mayor, linking the boat visit to the organization being honored. A separate report covered judges seeking a government response before ruling on the Puerta del Sol camp in an earlier Madrid court case.
The brief fall did not change the schedule. The royal family's visit continued as planned, and the group completed its tour of the town.
