- Massive turnout and presentation of the baton of command in Melilla
- A firm message on sovereignty and security
- Institutional close with civil society
This trip, the first official one by the monarchs to Melillian soil in nearly 19 years — since Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía visited both enclaves back in 2007 —, seals a high-intensity political tour defined by the response to recent migratory pressures along the southern border.
Massive turnout and presentation of the baton of command in Melilla
The Melillian leg kicked off following the royals' historic overnight stay at the Parador de Ceuta — an unprecedented milestone in democracy for a Spanish monarch. After bidding farewell to the citizens of Ceuta, Felipe VI and Letizia travelled by helicopter to Melilla.
Around midday, Their Majesties landed and made their way to the Assembly Palace, where they were welcomed by hundreds of citizens and the President of the autonomous city, Juan José Imbroda. During the institutional reception, Imbroda presented King Felipe VI with the baton of command and the Golden Key of the City, recognition symbolising institutional loyalty and the affection of Melillians towards the Crown.
The city's streets awoke adorned with thousands of Spanish flags and supportive banners reading "always with us, always with Spain".
Beyond high politics, the Crown sought to engage deeply with Melilla's social and educational fabric. The afternoon schedule includes a visit by the King and Queen to the Pintor Eduardo Morillas Public School at 16:15, where they will tour the facilities to learn firsthand about integration efforts, coexistence, and the daily routine of the teaching community and pupils in this border environment.
A firm message on sovereignty and security
Although Wednesday's itinerary takes place entirely within Melilla, the visit is intrinsically underpinned by the robust political message delivered the day before by Felipe VI from Ceuta before representatives of civil society and the State Law Enforcement Agencies.
In that speech, the monarch outlined the master keys of Spain's position in North Africa, proclaiming with firmness that "our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not negotiable: they are indisputable".
Furthermore, addressing the irregular migratory flows affecting the region over recent months, the King stressed that "those who entered our country irregularly must, as a matter of principle, return to their place of origin as soon as possible and through legally established channels".
Facing local uncertainty and fears following border pressures, the Head of State issued a message of resounding institutional backing: "We will not leave you alone or defenseless."
Likewise, the monarch emphasised that defending these territories concerns the European Union as a whole — recalling that their borders are those of all member states — and advocated demanding scrupulous respect and "good faith" in neighbourhood relations.
Institutional close with civil society
The final chapter of this historic journey will unfold from 17:45 at the Melilla Puerto hotel, where the King and Queen will hold a meeting with a broad representation of the autonomous city's economic, cultural, and social sectors, featuring the traditional hand-shaking reception and a closing institutional speech by Don Felipe before boarding their flight back to Madrid.