MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 19: (L-R) Princess Leonor, King Felipe, Queen Letizia and Infanta Sofia wave from the balcony of the Plaza de Oriente on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Proclamation of His Majesty the King, at the Royal Palace, on 19 June, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. The Royal Family has presided over the solemn change of the Royal Guard in the Patio de la Armeria of the Royal Palace. During the military parade have participated 359 royal guards and 86 horses, whose movements are accompanied by the Music Unit. This act has kicked off the official acts on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the proclamation of the monarch. (Photo By Diego Radames/Europa Press via Getty Images)

King Felipe and Queen Letizia's family Christmas card features a heartfelt tribute

A photo of the royal family, which had not been previously published, was used for the card

Contributor

DECEMBER 16, 2024 6:09 PM ESTDEC 16, 2024, 6:09 PM EST

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain paid tribute to the victims of the DANA with their 2024 Christmas card. An excerpt from Francisco Brines' poem "A Trace of Happiness" is featured inside of the card on the left-hand side.

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Spanish royal family's 2024 Christmas card

Translated to English, the fragment of the poem reads, "And I seek a face that reflects light, someone who, like me, though only holding death, also holds, as I once did, defying it, life."

The extract from the late Valencian poet's poem is a tribute to the deceased, their families and the thousands of people affected by the October DANA. The Spanish King and Queen traveled to the flood-devastated town of Paiporta early last month. Letizia was overcome with emotion during the visit.

In addition to the touching tribute, the Spanish royals' annual card includes a message from Felipe, Letizia and their teenage daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, on the right-hand side. "Merry Christmas, and may we all face the New Year with greater confidence," the royals' message translates to. Handwritten underneath reads "With our best wishes and great affection," along with the four royals' signatures.

A previously unseen photo of Letizia, Felipe and their daughters was used for the family's 2024 card. The picture shows the Queen dressed in a blue silk blouse and matching skirt with an arm around her firstborn, Leonor, who looked radiant in a red pantsuit. Meanwhile, Felipe proudly stood behind his younger daughter with one hand on Sofia's arm. The image was taken at the Royal Palace on the tenth anniversary of King Felipe's proclamation earlier this year. His Majesty became the King of Spain on June 19, 2014 following the abdication of his father, Juan Carlos I.

Letizia and Felipe's younger daughter returned to Spain ahead of the holidays. Sofia currently studies at UWC Atlantic in Wales. Two days after the school's December break started, the 17 year old carried out her first solo engagement in Madrid, attending the first edition of the “Objetivo Patrimonio Concurso de Fotografía Infanta Sofía” awards.