Queen Elizabeth commended the "dynamic and modern" relationship between Spain and the UK at a state banquet yesterday (12.07.17).
The 91-year-old monarch and Prince Philip held the event at Buckingham Palace to welcome Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to London, and the queen called for the two countries to stick together "whatever challenges arise" in the future.
She said: "The relationship between our two nations is dynamic and modern. We are NATO allies, striving together to improve security in Europe and across the globe.
"Our armed forces are currently working side by side in the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, led last year by Spain and now by the United Kingdom.
"We remain deeply committed to the common defence and freedom of our countries.
"There are so many facets to our shared experiences and close connections.
"Indeed, the lives of our peoples themselves are more intertwined than ever before. Thousands of Spanish students are studying at British universities, and Spanish scientists are working with British colleagues to tackle disease.
"We are also significant investors in each other’s economies, with the United Kingdom being the principal European recipient of Spanish overseas investment.
"A relationship like ours, founded on such great strengths and common interests, will ensure that both our nations prosper, now and in the future, whatever challenges arise. With such a remarkable shared history, it is inevitable that there are matters on which we have not always seen eye to eye.
"But the strength of our friendship has bred a resilient spirit of cooperation and goodwill."
Elizabeth also recalled Felipe’s father King Juan Carlos, 79, speaking "proudly" of his son when he visited Buckingham Palace 31 years ago.
She added: "Prince Philip and I recall with affection the State Visit of 1986 made by your parents, during which King Juan Carlos addressed both Houses of Parliament.
"His Majesty was the first foreign monarch ever to do so, which was a tribute to his role in Spain’s transition to democracy and acknowledgment that he was a King for all Spaniards.
"Your father spoke proudly about Your Majesty that day. You had just come of age, swearing loyalty in your Parliament to the Spanish Constitution.
"These years later, those duties are now yours, supporting Spain’s thriving democracy.
"It is therefore altogether fitting that Your Majesty, too, has addressed our Houses of Parliament today."
Prince William and his wife, Duchess Catherine, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince Harry were also in attendance at the state banquet.
Queen Elizabeth commends Spanish relationship
