King Felipe handed tennis superstar Rafael Nadal the Camino Real Prize, awarded by the Franklin Foundation to individuals that project a positive image of Spain in North America.
Accompanied by the Minister for Culture and Sports, the US Ambassador to Spain, the President of the Madrid Parliament and the Mayor of Alcalá de Henares, His Majesty arrived at Alcalá University, near Madrid, on the morning of Tuesday, 20th September, just a day after he was in London to bid farewell to his “dear aunt Lilibet.”
After being welcomed by the Director of the Franklin Institute and Mr Nadal himself, the ceremony started with speeches from the Dean of the University, the Director of the Franklin Institute and the President of Caixabank, who also serves as the President of the Evaluating Council of the Benjamin Franklin University Research Institute of the Alcalá de Henares University.
It was then time for Rafael Nadal to receive his award from the hands of King Felipe, who gave a speech highlighting his contribution to “reinforcing and spreading the best image of Spain in North American countries, passing on our most authentic and positive values.”
The ceremony concluded with the interpretation of Gaudeamus Igitur, an ancient Latin song used as an unofficial anthem for graduation, especially for university and high school.
Before departing the university, King Felipe entertained an informal conversation with some of the guests present for the ceremony.
Rafael Nadal is considered one of the three biggest tennis players in contemporary history, together with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal won four US Open tournaments and many other North American competitions: Indian Wells, Cincinnati, Miami, Montreal and Toronto.
This was the fifth edition of the prize. Previous winners include actor Antonio Banderas and basketball player Pau Gasol.
The Franklin Institute was founded in 1987 and is dedicated to the study of the teaching of Northamerican Studies and bilingual education, as well as the dissemination of findings through projects, seminars and publications.
