Christie’s auction the Wittelsbach Diamond

Infante Margaret Theresa of Spain diamond : a cushion-shaped fancy deep grayish blue diamond weighing 35.56 carats to the plain mount

Today, on December 10th 2008, a major auction sale is taking place in London. Christie’s offers to the international market for the first time in almost 80 years, the Wittelsbach diamond, a 17th century deep greyish-blue diamond, which has belonged to the Infante Margaret Teresa of Spain (1651-1673). 

Sister of Spanish princess loses fight for privacy

The Sunday Times – November 9, 2008 – By Matthew Campbell.

Spaniards are locked in a furious debate about privacy and the press. They are asking to what extent people should be entitled to protection from prying photographers if they are not a celebrity in their own right but are related to one.

Last week a court in Toledo became the latest battleground as Telma Ortiz, the 35-year-old sister-in-law of Prince Felipe, the heir to the throne, sought a restraining order against 50 media organisations – from gossip magazines to television stations – that she claimed had turned her life upside down.

Ortiz and her boyfriend, Enrique Martin Llop, are aid workers who claim to be under constant harassment from photographers, particularly since Ortiz gave birth to her daughter Amanda in March.

Prince and Princess of Asturias open extension to the Granada Science Park

The new facilities - Photo - Granada Science Park website

Typically Spanish – November 3, 2008- By H.B

Five new pavillions make the Granada Science Park one of the largest in Europe. 
A new large extension to the Science Park in Granada is to be opened by the Prince and Princess of Asturias, Don Felipe and Doña Letizia today.

King didn’t meat with Sofia’s tastes

The Australian – November 3, 2008 – By Matthew Campbell.

THE Spanish royals seldom drop their guard, but Queen Sofia has offered an insight into the mean world of Mediterranean diplomacy by accusing the former king of Morocco of feeding her meat, even though he knew she was a vegetarian.

Queen reveals food fight with Moroccan king

The Times – November 2, 2008 – By Matthew Campbell.

The Spanish royals seldom let down their guard, but Queen Sofia has offered an unusual insight into the mean world of Mediterranean diplomacy by accusing the former king of Morocco of feeding her meat, even though he knew she was a vegetarian.

A Right Royal Row

Pilar Urbano with a copy of her controversial book - Photo EFE

TycicallySpanish – October 31, 2008 – By H.B.

Supposed declarations by Queen Sofía of Spain published in a new book have upset the Gay and Lesbian community, and forced the Zarzuela Palace to issue a statement. 

Queen Sofía has had to backtrack on some of the comments she is reported to have made in a new book, ‘La Reina Muy de Cerca’ which has been published to coincide with her 70th birthday on November 2.

NanoArt by Orfescu at the Prince of Asturias Awards

Molecular Zoo, by Cris Orfescu

Press Release – October 21, 2008

Five scientists in the field of Nanotechnology will be awarded the Prince of Asturias prize for Technical and Scientific Research on October 24, 2008. Cris Orfescu has been invited to exhibit NanoArt in a solo show at this prestigious event.

Jordan’s king starts tour of Spain, Latin American states

Amman – King Abdullah II of Jordan left Amman on Saturday for Madrid to start a foreign tour that will also take him to three Latin American countries.

Spain’s prime minister to visit Cuba next year

MADRID, Spain – AP, October 14, 2008

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero accepted an invitation from Cuban President Raul Castro to visit the Caribbean country next year, an official said Tuesday, setting him up to become the first European leader to travel to the communist-run island in nearly a decade.

Why mum is not meant to remarry

The Times of India – October 12, 2008

By Divya Aggarwal

Spain’s Duchess of Alba, who has more titles to her name than any other noble in the world, has been forbidden by her children to remarry. The 82-year-old royal had hoped to marry an antique dealer, 24 years her junior. The Duchess has been publicly critical of her six children for refusing to give their blessings. She told a magazine: “They don’t want me to marry, but they change partners more often than I do.”