Felipe VI looks to the side while Princess Leonor appears in a red circle dressed in a military uniform with two speech bubbles containing question marks.

King Felipe, caught: there's a photo that will leave his daughter Leonor speechless

The trip of the royals to Egypt included official engagements, but also an unexpected gesture that surprised everyone

The state visit of the royals to Egypt was filled with official events and moments of great cultural symbolism. Felipe and Letizia followed a busy schedule that strengthened bilateral cooperation between both countries. However, an unexpected gesture made a difference during this visit through a snapshot that  will surprise Princess Leonor.

The Spanish Royal Household wanted to make it clear that their international role remains key in diplomacy and culture. For several days, the royals visited historic sites and took part in events with Egyptian authorities. However, what no one expected was the most natural image of the couple in the land of the pharaohs.

King Felipe and Abdelfatah El-Sisi in suits shake hands and smile in front of a wooden door decorated with geometric patterns.
Felipe VI highlighted the value of cultural cooperation with Egypt | Casa Real

A schedule marked by cultural cooperation

The trip began in Cairo with meetings between Felipe VI and the highest Egyptian authorities. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to keep working together on heritage conservation. Cooperation on cultural projects was presented as a model of international collaboration.

The Temple of Hatshepsut, illuminated with Spanish technology, became the central stage of the trip. As the sun set, the monument excelled with a light show that amazed everyone. Felipe VI described it as "spectacular," highlighting the value of the project.

Egyptians thanked the Spanish involvement in historical excavations and restorations. For decades, archaeological missions from our country have worked in the region. The recognition of this work was one of the most applauded moments of the official visit.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia elegantly dressed take a selfie in front of an Egyptian temple illuminated at night.
The royals were caught capturing the moment with a selfie | Europa Press

Caught in an unexpected selfie

The biggest surprise of the nighttime visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut came when the royals, relaxed and smiling, were seen in an unexpected gesture. While the official event was taking place and the authorities watched the lights being turned on, the monarchs were clearly caught taking a selfie. The scene, completely spontaneous and far from the rigid royal protocol, showed a warm and natural side that surprised everyone present.

The gesture did not go unnoticed by those witnessing the visit. The naturalness of the royal couple was captured in an image that quickly spread on social media. The photo showed Felipe and Letizia smiling, sharing a moment of complicity as a couple without institutional burdens.

Many interpreted the scene as a gesture of closeness from the monarchs, who surprised with behavior far from their usual formality. Sources close to the family say that Princess Leonor, used to the rigid protocol, will be shocked to see her parents showing themselves as a natural and spontaneous couple. The snapshot, quickly shared in the media and on social media, has been described by observers as the most talked-about image of the entire official trip.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia walk on a red carpet in front of a modern building, accompanied by other people in the background.
The queen opted for cultural nods in all her outfits | @CasaReal, Instagram

Style, symbolism and the final touch of the trip

Queen Letizia once again drew attention with a look full of meaning. She chose a white and gold outfit, colors linked to the pharaonic legacy. Her choice was interpreted as a tribute to the host country.

Hours earlier, in Cairo, she opted for an outfit with local touches. She wore a safari jacket and handcrafted earrings, reinforcing her cultural commitment. Throughout the trip, her fashion choices shaped the narrative of closeness.

The trip ended with a visit to the Luxor Museum, considered the largest open-air museum. There, the royals viewed pieces recovered by Spanish missions. With that cultural highlight, they brought to a close a historic and much-discussed visit.