King Felipe VI to visit Ceuta and Melilla as Spain prepares for historic royal trip

After everything that has happened in Ceuta over the past few months, there is a strong feeling that King Felipe VI should come and see the situation for himself. His arrival would be a powerful show of support for the city, particularly after the extraordinary events of July, and residents are now waiting to find out when it will actually happen.

The King and Queen Letizia are expected to visit both Ceuta and Melilla, but despite the announcement that the trip would take place in the coming weeks, there is still no confirmed date. The latest reports suggest that the date should be fixed before October 12, Spain’s National Day.

A visit that means more than a royal engagement

The planned journey was already being considered before the events of July, so the visit itself is not a new response to the crisis. What has changed is the significance of Felipe VI actually arriving in Ceuta. The King has remained closely informed about developments. He has spoken several times with Ceuta’s president, Juan Jesús Vivas, and received him at the Marivent Palace to discuss the situation directly.

For Ceuta, having the King visit in person would allow him to see the reality on the ground and meet people who have been dealing with the consequences of the events of recent months. Vivas has said that Felipe VI committed to visiting the city, while Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez subsequently confirmed that the King and Queen would travel to Ceuta and Melilla, the only thing missing now is the date.

Why the date is still uncertain

Morocco’s elections on September 23 are one factor being taken into account when planning the trip. Reports indicate that the preference is for the royal visit to take place after the elections. That leaves only a few weeks before October 12, when Spain celebrates its National Day.

There is also an unresolved question over whether Sánchez will accompany the King. According to reports on September 17, Moncloa had not yet made a final decision, with the possibility of another minister travelling with Felipe VI instead. The final itinerary has also not been announced. One possibility is for Felipe VI and Letizia to visit both cities on the same day, although that remains subject to confirmation.

Felipe VI has already spoken about Ceuta

Although the King has yet to visit, he has made several public references to the city since the summer. In his first major speech after the break, Felipe VI described Ceuta as an “example of civic spirit”, while praising the emergency services, public servants and volunteers who worked during the difficult situation. He has also met Defence Minister Margarita Robles and senior military commanders to receive information about the situation in Ceuta.

The forthcoming visit will also be historic for another reason. Felipe VI has never officially visited Ceuta or Melilla since becoming King in 2014. The last reigning Spanish monarch to visit both cities was Juan Carlos I, who travelled there with Queen Sofía in 2006. For now, Ceuta and Melilla are left waiting for the announcement that will turn months of expectation into a date in the diary. The latest indication is that the date for the royal visit should be fixed before October 12. Exactly when Felipe VI and Letizia will arrive, however, remains unknown.