<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has once again shared a video on social media in which he explains details about the presentation of Credentials, "one of the oldest ceremonies in diplomatic relations" that took place last Friday at the Royal Palace in Madrid.</strong></h4> "You've heard about the presentation of Credentials ceremony," Albares explains on Instagram and TikTok. "It's one of the oldest ceremonies in diplomatic relations and is held both here at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Santa Cruz Palace and at the Royal Palace," he continues. "Every new ambassador sent by a state and accredited to Spain must present their credentials to the king," recalls the minister, who appears dressed in the traditional uniform of the Diplomatic Corps. “Once he has been received here at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he takes this impressive carriage and heads to the Royal Palace, where I will be today to accompany His Majesty the King and receive those ambassadors,” the video continues. The carriage “passes through emblematic places in Madrid, such as the Plaza Mayor and Bailén Street,” and, “once it reaches the Plaza de la Armería of the Royal Palace, a group of the Royal Guard welcomes the ambassador and plays his country's anthem,” Albares explains. “Once at the palace, the Chief of the Halberdiers gives him the news, and the ambassador is accompanied by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Royal Household to the Official Chamber of the Palace,” he adds. “The Introducer of Ambassadors introduces him, and the ambassador presents his credentials to the King, whom I accompany, as long as my schedule allows,” he continues. “This ceremony takes place several times a year, so next time I encourage you to come here to Plaza de la Provincia, the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, next to the Plaza Mayor, and enjoy it,” the video concludes. Albares has made it a habit to share videos related to the Credentials ceremony, as long as he participates. At the beginning of 2024, the minister released a video to explain the origin and characteristics of the suit worn by Spanish career diplomats when attending official appointments, such as the presentation of Credentials or the King's reception of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Spain. Likewise, last January, he published another video in which he again explained the characteristics of this suit, paying special attention, in this case, to the eight decorations he wore for the occasion.
