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Royal News

King Felipe of Spain released from hospital after unexpected overnight stay

King Felipe of Spain wears a guayabera shirt at a formal reception in Mallorca

King Felipe has stayed in hospital overnight after undergoing surgery. He left the Ruber International Clinic in Madrid on Sunday morning with strict instructions.

The King of Spain had a short operation to remedy cataracts in his eyes.

As a result of the procedure, which took place on the evening of October 24, he remained in hospital overnight. Felipe VI left on October 25, wearing dark glasses, and with medical instructions to take things very easy for several days.

The operation took place in Madrid and was announced after completion.

Felipe VI, 58, is said to be recovering well.

The news of his surgery came just hours after he returned to the Spanish capital after three days in the northern region of Asturias where he had been supporting his elder daughter, Princess Leonor, in major events.

The Princess of Asturias Awards are handed out every October in a number of fields including the arts, sports and science. Leonor, who will turn 21 in just a few days time, presented the prizes in a ceremony in Oviedo with her parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and her sister, Infanta Sofia, at her side, Her grandmother, Queen Sofia, watched from a balcony throughout the event which also saw Leonor give a speech.

Leonor, along with King Felipe and Queen Letizia as well as Infanta Sofia, then travelled to the Asturian coast where they awarded the annual prize for community of the year to the fishing fraternity of Llanes.

During the visit, they boarded a boat with Queen Letizia taking a tumble as she began to disembark. She was unhurt and her younger daughter, Sofia, 19, helped her to her feet again with both laughing.

The royals returned to Madrid in the early afternoon with King Felipe admitted to hospital soon afterwards.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.