Queen Letizia was left red-faced on Saturday as she headed out on an engagement in Llanes with her husband, King Felipe, and their two daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia.
During the engagement, the family presented the 2026 Exemplary Town Award to the Santa Ana Fishermen's Guild in Llanes, and as a result, the quartet embarked on a brief tour of a fishing boat.
However, in footage obtained by HELLO!'s sister publication, HOLA!, Letizia was seen slipping over and hitting the deck. Although aides quickly rushed to her side, the Spanish royal was able to get back onto her feet unaided.
Ahead of the event, it was unclear whether the royals would be boarding the vessel, owing to the choppy sea conditions. Just a day before the visit, the waters were incredibly rough, with high waves splashing over the deck of the vessel.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesJoined by her family, Leonor also gave a speech at the event recalling how women in the area "would put on their rodiellu (a type of net) on their heads and travel throughout the municipality and beyond".
She added: "It seems that one Saturday—more or less like this one, but over 500 years ago—a namesake of mine appeared here and, apparently, was very pleased with what she saw."
Letizia had another awkward moment earlier this month, when her handshake was ignored during a diplomatic reception. The royals were welcoming ambassadors and representatives from Ceuta and Melilla, but one ambassador ignored the outstretched hands of Letizia, Leonor and Sofia.
Though some fans commented on social media that the handshake refusal demonstrated a "lack of respect", it's believed the handshake was declined for religious and cultural reasons.
© WireImageIn fact, Iranian custom dictates that a man should not shake hands with a woman unless she extends the arm first. However, he may still choose to refuse to shake hands in this instance.
Busy week for the Spanish royals
The Spanish royals have had a busy week, and on Thursday, they were all present at the 34th Princess of Asturias Awards Concert. With Sofia studying abroad, the event was a reunion for the Spanish royal family.
© Getty ImagesThe royal is currently in her second year at Forward College. She spent her first year studying in Lisbon, Portugal, where she lived with other students, before relocating to Paris, France for her second year. She is set to conclude her studies in Berlin in 2027.
While Sofia is in her second year of university, her older sister Leonor began her higher education last month after completing three years of military training. The Princess of Asturias is now a student at Carlos III University of Madrid.
