The visit follows a border breach on July 30 and 31 when approximately 80,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, resulting in about 140 deaths. At least 10,000 migrants still remain in the enclave, where Spanish forces recently removed 500 people from makeshift camps at El Guano beach to clear the area for the royal visit. This tour is the first royal trip to these territories in nearly 20 years and occurs 46 days before early national elections.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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King Felipe Declares Spanish Territorial Sovereignty Non Negotiable
Geopolitics7 days ago
The monarchs of Spain visited Melilla on Oct 14 after spending the previous day in Ceuta to signal national support for the overseas exclaves. King Felipe VI declared that Spain's sovereignty and territorial integrity are "not negotiable" and pledged that residents of the North African territories would not be left defenseless. The arrival in Ceuta on Oct 13 included the first overnight stay by a Spanish head of state in the city since 2007. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez did not accompany the royal couple, instead sending Minister Torres.
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