King Abdullah II of Jordan landed today in Spain for an official visit without his wife, Rania of Jordan. Her absence hasn't gone unnoticed, since she is a regular figure at this type of event and, moreover, is known for her good relationship with Queen Letizia. Her nonattendance has reignited media interest in a strange confirmed news: Rania has cited personal reasons that prevent her from traveling, a decision that not only surprises but also causes concern.
Abdullah's trip includes meetings with King Felipe VI and President Pedro Sánchez, in a delicate geopolitical context. However, what has drawn the most attention is that Rania isn't accompanying him. What is really behind this unexpected decision and what does it mean for the relationship between the royal houses of Jordan and Spain?
Rania of Jordan confirms her absence from King Abdullah's visit to Spain
The Jordanian monarch's visit isn't coincidental. At a time marked by instability in the Middle East, especially after the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, Abdullah seeks to strengthen cooperation and understanding with Spain. His agenda includes meetings with Felipe VI at the Zarzuela Palace and with President Pedro Sánchez at the Moncloa Palace.
According to diplomatic sources, the main goal of this visit is to address the situation in the region and share strategic visions about the next steps. Nevertheless, the monarch's solo presence also projects an unusual image that has inevitably focused media attention on the absent queen.
It's not common to see King Abdullah at official events without Queen Rania; her presence is usually key at international appearances. The news of her absence in Spain has caused a wave of rumors that have ultimately been clarified by Jordanian media.
At the end of May, they reported that the queen experienced a setback in her health, which even prevented her from attending Jordan's National Day for the first time in 26 years. Although no precise details about the illness have been provided, this circumstance marks a turning point.
Rania of Jordan's absence means she won't meet with Queen Letizia again
Rania of Jordan's absence is particularly striking considering her excellent personal relationship with Queen Letizia. Both have developed a strong friendship that goes beyond official protocols, sharing common interests in education, women's rights, and international cooperation. For this reason, her absence from this official meeting has raised even more questions.
During previous meetings, the two queens have shown a special chemistry, jointly participating in cultural activities, visits to charitable organizations, and meetings with representatives of civil society.
Rania of Jordan had planned to participate in various protocol events during the visit to Spain. Her agenda included meetings with Spanish organizations dedicated to development cooperation and activities related to educational programs for refugees.
Rania's decision not to attend for personal reasons has raised questions, although none have been confirmed by official sources so far. It is speculated that her health condition doesn't allow her to take long flights or expose herself to the intense activity of an official visit.
The possible health problems of Queen Rania of Jordan
Queen Rania has been a powerful and symbolic figure in Jordanian diplomacy for decades. Her style, her commitment to social causes, and her presence at the most relevant forums have given her a very active and respected role.
In recent months, Jordan's royals have experienced significant changes in their personal sphere. In February, King Abdullah successfully underwent surgery for a hernia at the Al Hussein Medical Center.
A few days earlier, his granddaughter Amina was born, daughter of Princess Iman and Jameel Alexander. This news came just months after the birth of another granddaughter, little Iman, firstborn of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa.
These family events have coincided with less public exposure for Rania, who has reportedly prioritized her physical and emotional well-being. While protocol dictates certain commitments, the Palace hasn't hidden that her priority, for now, is her recovery.
For this reason, her absence from this visit to Spain is interpreted as a sign that she is going through a delicate personal moment. Although no statement has been issued detailing her health condition, sources indicate that she isn't in a position to take on the pace of a visit of these characteristics.
There is no doubt that the absence of Rania of Jordan from King Abdullah's official visit to Spain has set off all the alarms. The truth is that everything points to health reasons, although the news is gaining strength because of its symbolism.