Everything we can anticipate from Felipe VI’s Christmas message in the year of Dana

The Christmas message of Philip VI In 2024, it is presented as a speech full of symbolism, but also responsibility. In a year marked by the DANA catastrophe, the King will not only highlight the importance of unity and solidarity, but will also mark the path towards a 2025 where the rule of law, harmony and service to citizens will continue to be the fundamental principles of his reign. The increasingly visible presence of the Princess of Asturias, the renewed team of the King’s House and the reflection on the future of the Monarchy in a historical context make this Christmas message one of the most anticipated in recent years.

Christmas has always been a crucial moment for the King of Spain. The Christmas Eve message, addressed to all citizens, is the opportunity for Felipe VI to reflect on the most notable moments of the year, issue warnings, set the tone for the future and reaffirm his commitment to the unity and well-being of the Spanish people. However, this 2024 has a particular nuance. This year, marked by the devastating consequences of DANA (Isolated Depression at High Levels) that affected numerous regions of the country on October 29, promises to be a speech full of sensitivity, responsibility and calls to action. The echoes of that catastrophe will not only resonate in Spanish society, but also in the words of the King, who has already made the defense of those affected a priority from the first moment.

DANA: a tragedy that is still present

Felipe VI has not stopped focusing on those affected by DANA since October 29. Since the beginning of the tragedy, the King has used every opportunity to make visible the magnitude of the damage, underlining the need for quick and effective aid for the victims. DANA left floods and destruction in several autonomous communities in its wake, especially affecting the region of Valencia, the Valencian Community, Murcia, and parts of Andalusia. Human, material and emotional losses have marked these regions, and the monarch has been clear in demanding public administrations, both at the local and national level, to put aside political disputes and work in a unified manner for reconstruction and restoration. helps those affected.

This context will be key to understanding the tone and content of the 2024 Christmas Message. Felipe VI, who has demonstrated a great ability to connect with the feelings of citizens, will not only reaffirm his support for the victims of DANA, but who will also call for the unity of Spain. In times of crisis, social and territorial cohesion is essential, and the monarch, as a figure of unity, has the responsibility of emphasizing the importance of overcoming internal divisions in order to move forward together.

A message framed between two historic anniversaries

This year, Felipe VI’s Christmas Message comes in a very significant context. If 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of his accession to the throne, with the motto “Service, commitment and duty“as the guiding principle of his reign, 2025 will be an even more emblematic year. It will celebrate 50 years of the restoration of the Monarchy in Spain, a restoration that came after the long hiatus of the Franco dictatorship. This double anniversary offers the King the opportunity to take stock of his reign and the situation of the Monarchy at a time of social and political tension.

The anniversary of Felipe VI’s ten years as monarch will also allow him to reflect on the achievements achieved, but also on the challenges that the institution he represents continues to face. DANA, with its devastating impact, can be seen as a metaphor for the difficulties and challenges facing Spanish society: unforeseen and devastating phenomena that require a rapid, coordinated and seamless response. Thus, this year’s Christmas Eve message will be marked not only by tragedy, but also by the need for national cohesion.

The renewed team of Felipe VI

One aspect to take into account is that, for the first time in many years, the Christmas speech will be presented with a renewed team of collaborators. The head of the King’s House, Camilo Villarinoand other key members of his team, debut in their roles. Eight of the eleven closest collaborators to the monarch are new, which has meant a fresh air in the King’s House. These changes can influence the tone and focus of the Christmas message, with a possible greater closeness and a more focused approach on current events and the daily problems of citizens.

Felipe VI has proven to be a monarch capable of adapting to circumstances and times. Although it has always defended the traditional values ​​of the Monarchy, it has shown an open attitude towards innovations that can improve the connection with Spanish society. In this sense, this year’s message is likely to reflect the monarch’s new concerns and priorities, particularly with regard to national unity, the defense of the Constitution and the rule of law.

The presence of the Princess of Asturias: a new stage

Another aspect that is expected in the 2024 Christmas speech is the mention and symbolic presence of the Princess of Asturias, the heir to the throne. In recent years, the figure of the Princess has been increasingly consolidated in the institutional life of Spain, and it is likely that the King will take advantage of her message to underline the growing role of his daughter in public life. Although in 2023 the image of the Princess of Asturias appeared symbolically in the speech, with a photo that recalled her swearing in of the Constitution, it is possible that in 2024 Felipe VI will reinforce her role in the message.

The King is clear that the Princess of Asturias must be increasingly present in public speeches, not only to prepare her future role as monarch, but also to give greater visibility to the stability of the Crown. With the political, social and economic challenges that Spain faces, strengthening the figure of the Heiress is key to the continuity of the Monarchy.

The recording process and media expectations

The process of preparing the Christmas Message is, as always, meticulous. Although Felipe VI usually records the speech in advance, the television and lighting equipment remains in the Zarzuela until after Christmas Eve, in case something unforeseen arises that requires a new recording. This year, the head of the King’s Household has left two days without public events on the monarch’s agenda to ensure he has enough time to adjust and polish his message.

The speech will traditionally be broadcast at 9 p.m. on December 24 on all television channels, with the exception of the Basque and Catalan regional networks, which historically have not broadcast it. However, with the political change in Catalonia and the new presidency of Salvador Illa, it is not ruled out that there will be some modification in this practice.