The kings of Spain have carried out a State visit to Egypt that included a very special event at the pyramids of Giza. The dinner with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and his wife became one of the most desired moments of the trip. However, what was supposed to be an impeccable evening ended up being marked by an unexpected debate.
The images shared by the Royal Household were intended to show the majesty of the site and the closeness of the royal couple. Instead of receiving praise, the photographs sparked immediate criticism on social media and digital media outlets.
A private evening next to the pyramids
The official itinerary did not include a stop in Giza, but the Egyptian president's invitation made it the highlight of the day. Felipe VI and Letizia enjoyed an intimate dinner at the Mena House restaurant, famous for its nighttime views. From there, they admired the illuminated silhouette of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure.
The tour was completed with a guided visit to the Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khufu. The monarch, who had never been to Cairo, showed his enthusiasm for seeing firsthand one of the great symbols of antiquity. Meanwhile, the queen chose a blue dress that contrasted with her outfit from earlier in the day.
The evening aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties between both countries in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The presence of the Egyptian leader and his wife added solemnity to an event full of symbolism. However, the spotlight would end up shifting to an unforeseen detail.
The criticism over the official photographs
The images released by the Royal Household were met with great anticipation in Spain. The surprise came when people noticed the poor technical quality of the portraits, which did not reflect the magnitude of the location. The lack of sharpness and poor lighting triggered a flood of negative comments.
Comments on social media described the photos as "unworthy of a State event" and lamented that such an iconic moment was not captured appropriately. Some even compared them to images taken by amateurs, questioning the lack of care in the official release. The contrast between the importance of the setting and the final result fueled the controversy.
The situation has led communication experts to highlight the need to pay attention to every detail in this type of visit. They point out that the image projected by the monarchy doesn't depend only on the agenda, but also on the quality of the material that is shared. This time, the debate even surpassed the interest in the diplomatic event itself.
A visit with diplomatic impact
Beyond the photographic controversy, the day had a strong institutional component. The kings were received with honors at the Al-Ittihadiy Palace, where bilateral meetings and a State luncheon were held. They also paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The trip also included a review of a lighting project for the pyramids and other sites, developed by Spanish companies. With an investment of €10.5 million (10,500,000 euros), the plan strengthens Spain's technological presence in Egypt. The visit to Luxor, scheduled in the agenda, completes the tour of the main archaeological treasures.
Despite the criticism, the Royal Household keeps the message that the visit has served to strengthen ties. The dinner in Giza, although overshadowed by the controversy, will remain one of the most symbolic memories of this State visit.