The Diplomat
The Apostolic Nuncio in Spain, Monsignor Bernardito Auza, will represent the Diplomatic Corps at the reception that the King and Queen of Spain will offer on 12 October at the Royal Palace on the occasion of the National Holiday.
The King and Queen have decided to bring back the traditional reception at the Royal Palace, which had to be suspended last year because of the pandemic. However, given that the situation is not fully back to normal, the decision has been to hold a smaller event, after the military parade on the Paseo de la Castellana.
The Royal Household has decided to send invitations to a representative group of people from all institutional levels and different sectors of Spanish society. Masks will be required at all times and no drinks will be offered to those attending.
Thus, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, and the ministers, as well as the President of Congress, Meritxell Batet, and the President of the Senate, Ander Gil, have been invited, along with the respective bureaux and spokespersons of both chambers. The head of the opposition, PP leader Pablo Casado, will also be invited.
The presidents of the autonomous communities have also received an invitation, as well as the president of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) and the mayors of provincial capitals. Within this political and institutional group, the former presidents of the Government have also been invited, as well as the Council of State, the Court of Auditors, the Ombudsman and the Attorney General of the State.
In the diplomatic sphere, none of the ambassadors have been invited, with the exception of the Nuncio, as dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Spain.
The highest representatives of business and trade union organisations, as well as the Economic and Social Council and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce, were invited to the reception.
In the social sphere, the most senior representatives of social welfare organisations, bodies and entities have been invited, while in the sporting sphere, the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) and the flag bearers at the Tokyo Olympic Games will be present.
With regard to education, there will be representation from schools and universities through the Spanish School Council, the Conference of Rectors, the CSIC and the Network of Associations of Researchers and Scientists Abroad.
In the field of culture, the Institute of Spain, the Royal Academies, the Royal Trustees and Foundations, including the Princess of Asturias Foundation and the Princess of Girona Foundation, have been invited. Finally, representatives of the professional groups of the media and public media are expected to attend.
