Never has a 60th birthday given so much of itself. Infanta Elena turned six decades this December 20 and celebrated it just the way she wanted: with her Borbón family in three generations. An event that, in itself, was going to be the cause of high information tension due to the visit (and there are seven) of Don Juan Carlos to Spain and his reunion with the King. The possibility that the photo of the emeritus with his son was produced, don Felipe, in Madrid, in the middle of the street and in sight of everyone, and next to them, Mrs. Letizia, the tension rose very, very high. In the end, all the variables worked in their favor. Elena gathered all her people and that must be valued. But that photo was not produced. Another issue was the absences. Eleanor, of course. She was at the Candanchú Military School undergoing training in the snow. But what about Sofia? Why didn't Sofia attend?
The Borbón in three generations gathered around a table at the Pabú restaurant, in the Chamartín neighborhood of Madrid. Elena skillfully sought neutral ground outside the Zarzuela Palace. Her parents, his children and his brothers, Don Felipe, with his wife Doña Letizia, and Cristina, his nephews Marichalar and Urdangarin, his uncles and cousins. It was quite a conclave. A great event. Family and private format, but a great event. That family unity that we so rarely see was staged. That good harmony between everyone. The set was the street. The Kings walked a few meters along the sidewalk of Panama Street. They were smiling.
Only Leonor, with her 18th birthday, had brought together so many Borbón family. Furthermore, the date was in their favor: December 20. It was very well placed on the calendar because it contextualized the lunch within Christmas. The image of Christmas harmony of a family sharing lunch and toasts. Beyond this message, there is the curious album that this meal left us. The photos we saw and those we didn't see.
The departure was organized two by two. The Kings, always together. They did not share a lodging with anyone from the Borbón family. Neither on arrival nor on departure. The birthday princess went out with Don Juan Carlos. They both shared a curious family greeting of crosses and palms. And Cristina, with Doña Sofía. She did not leave her mother's side for even a second. In this way, the emeritus appeared accompanied at all times, but they were not photographed together. Nor did we see the two kings or the two queens together or Don Felipe with his sisters; nor Doña Letizia with Don Juan Carlos. And, finally, the absence of Sofía. It is striking that the youngest Borbón did not attend her family's meal, with her grandparents, aunts and her cousins.