The reopening of the emblematic Notre Dame Cathedral, after the devastating fire of 2019, has brought together international leaders, heads of state and members of different royal houses from around the world in a ceremony full of symbolism. However, the notable absence of Spanish representation, whether from the Royal Family or the Government, has generated a barrage of criticism in Spain and a wave of questions about the reasons behind this decision.
Silence from Zarzuela
From the King’s House it has been confirmed that, at no time, was the attendance of the Kings contemplated Felipe VI and Letizianor any other member of the Royal Family, to this important event. Furthermore, no official explanations have been offered as to why Spain was not represented, which has generated confusion among citizens and some political sectors.
The event did not appear in the official agenda of the Kings, published weekly by Zarzuela. When asked by journalists, the King’s House has simply reiterated that there was no news that the monarchs were going to attend, following the usual criterion of not publicly explaining the reasons for their decisions in this type of event.
International comparisons
The absence of the Kings has been even more striking when observing the list of personalities attending: the Kings of Belgium, the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg, the Prince Albert of Monacohe Prince William of Wales and the brother of the king of Morocco, Mulay Rachid, were present at the ceremony, reflecting the relevance of the event not only as a religious event, but also as a diplomatic one. There was even a message from papa Franciscoread by the archbishop of Paris.
On the other hand, the Spanish Government was also absent. The Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, declined the invitation due to personal commitments, leaving empty the chair that Spain would have occupied at this event of global significance. The absence has been classified as “a shame for our country“by figures such as the leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóowho has regretted the lack of representation in an act of so much symbolism for European culture.
A reopening full of symbolism
The ceremony marked a historic moment for France, which has been working intensively to restore the cathedral since the 2019 fire. The event was attended by 150 bishops from around the world, as well as international leaders such as the first lady. US, Jill Bidenthe Italian Prime MinisterGiorgia Meloni, and the Ukrainian president, Volodímir Zelenskiwho was also received at the Elysée Palace by Emmanuel Macron.
The debate on the relevance of the Spanish absence
The lack of Spanish representation at the reopening of Notre Dame has sparked extensive debate on social networks and the media. Some consider that the act, although symbolic, did not necessarily require the presence of the Kings, since it is not an event directly related to Spain. Others, however, interpret the absence as a loss of opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations and underline Spain’s commitment to European cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the Kings will soon attend a mass in Valencia in memory of the DANA victims, an event of national relevance. However, the controversy continues to fuel around the perception of a lack of interest on the part of Spanish institutions in high-profile international events.
Lost opportunity?
The reopening of Notre Dame has been more than a religious ceremony; It has represented the union of nations and leaders around the recovery of a symbol of world cultural heritage. Spain, a country with deep historical and cultural roots shared with France, has been left out of a collective image that celebrates resilience and international cooperation.
The lack of explanations from Zarzuela and the Government has only increased speculation. For now, public opinion is still waiting for a response that will shed light on this controversial absence.
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