King Felipe acknowledges Spanish conquest abuses

King Felipe of Spain has acknowledged abuses by the Spaniards during their conquests of the Americas.

During a visit to the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid, the King toured the exhibition “Women in Indigenous Mexico,” and spoke about the actions of the Spanish in the Americas.

Spanish media reported that the monarch said colonial laws were created with the intention of protecting people, but said that “in reality, things did not go as intended.”

King Felipe stressed that Spain must learn from the mistakes and added, “If we study certain things according to modern criteria, with our values, we obviously cannot be proud. But we must learn from this, within its context, without moralising too much.”

Mexican leaders have recently demanded apologies from Spain for their crimes during the Mexican conquest in the 16th century. Former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador demanded an apology in 2019, and his successor, President Claudia Sheinbaum, went a step further. She demanded the apology and refused to invite the King to her inauguration in 2024. The King traditionally attends the inaugurations of leaders of Hispanic countries.

The “Women in Indigenous Mexico” exhibit will be on display in the National Archaeological Museum until 22 March.

Casa Real said the temporary exhibit “is part of a binational project born with the aspiration of strengthening ties between both countries through the recognition of the historical importance of native cultures and the fundamental role of women in indigenous communities in Mexico.”