Ceuta has remained a part of Spain uninterrupted since 1580, while Melilla has been under Spanish control since 1497. In contrast, the Alaouite dynasty has been governing Moroccan territory since 1631, although modern Morocco did not emerge until 1956 when France and Spain ended their protectorates. Despite this historical context, Morocco continues to claim both territories as "occupied" by Spain, advocating for their integration into Moroccan sovereignty. This long-standing dispute sheds light on the rarity of royal visits to these cities, as a Spanish monarch has only visited them twice in the past century.
Recently, Defense Minister Margarita Robles reaffirmed that Ceuta and Melilla are fundamentally Spanish. This sentiment has been echoed by the presidents of both autonomous cities and the leader of the Popular Party, who have called for King Felipe VI to visit these Mediterranean enclaves following a significant influx of migrants on July 30 and 31. Even leaders from the opposition and republican factions have criticized the King for not visiting, arguing that he should have remained in Ceuta until the migration crisis was resolved.
The Historical Context of Royal Visits to Ceuta and Melilla
The last time a Spanish monarch visited Melilla was during the city's fifth centenary celebrations on September 17, 1997. King Juan Carlos I was invited as the honorary president of the committee for the celebrations, yet he did not attend the event in Melilla itself; instead, the ceremony took place at the Zarzuela Palace. This absence was noted by Melilla's president, Ignacio Velázquez, who expressed disappointment at the King's lack of attendance during such a significant occasion. The political environment at the time was tense, with the opposition boycotting the event due to their refusal to recognize Velázquez's presidency.
Fast forward to 2007, when Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía made a historic visit to Ceuta and Melilla. This visit was fraught with tension, as it came shortly after the Moroccan government expressed its intent to reclaim the territories. The Moroccan Prime Minister even urged the King to cancel his trip, warning that it would strain bilateral relations. Nevertheless, the royal couple was received warmly by the citizens of Ceuta, marking a significant moment since the King's last visit in 1970. The political ramifications of this visit were substantial, with Morocco's royal family issuing a statement condemning it as a nostalgic act that disrespected their sovereignty.
In 2025, the most recent royal visit was made by Princess Leonor, who arrived in Ceuta as part of her military training. The visit coincided with a notable decrease in irregular migration into Ceuta, suggesting that royal visits carry weighty implications for both domestic and international relations. The historical reluctance of Spanish monarchs to visit these territories reflects ongoing fears of reprisal from Morocco, a sentiment that has influenced Spanish political decisions for decades.
As reported by vozpopuli.com.
