King Felipe not invited to Mexican president’s inauguration

King Felipe has not been invited to the inauguration of Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

The King was not sent an invite by the President-elect after the monarch did not respond to a letter from Sheinbaum’s predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, demanding an apology for the actions during the Spanish conquests of the Americas.

Sheinbaum confirmed that he was not invited due to his silence and said she spoke to Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez by phone to discuss the matter.

“Unfortunately, this letter [sent by López Obrador] did not merit any direct response, as would have corresponded to the best diplomatic practice. Instead, part of the letter was leaked in the media and after that, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release,” she said.

Sheibaum, who will take office on 1 October, did stress that “Mexico and Spain share a solid relationship of friendship,” but that they could benefit “from a renewed perspective.”

López Obrador is in support of his successor’s omission but made it a point to state that the issue at hand is not with the Spanish people: “We are talking about differences with the Spanish monarchy, which was respectfully asked to offer an apology to the native peoples of Mexico for the atrocities committed.”

He also added that the monarchy should do away with its “arrogant” attitude.

The Spanish government has said they will not be represented on any level as Mexico inaugurates its first female president. They have called the King’s exclusion “unacceptable.”

The Spanish monarch is regularly at presidential inaugurations in the Americas of countries with Spanish heritage.