Spanish Royal Family forced into unusual travel arrangement ahead of Argentina clash
Spanish Royal Family forced into unusual travel arrangement ahead of Argentina clash
Dorothy Reddin Sun, July 19, 2026 at 8:56 AM UTC
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Royal House of Spain | Source: GETTY
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have touched down in New York ahead of tonight’s World Cup final, joined by their daughters Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía.
The Casa Real (Royal House of Spain) are preparing to cheer on their national team as they face off against Argentina at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The family’s journey to the United States required complex logistical planning to adhere to strict protocols.
The monarch and his heir, Princess Leonor, are prohibited from travelling together to ensure the continuity of the crown in the event of an emergency.
As a result, the family arrived in the United States on two separate planes.
It is understood that Queen Letizia or Infanta Sofía could not accompany Princess Leonor on her specific flight.
This separation is dictated by a technical criterion of the State Regency and Command Structure, ensuring the line of succession remains secure during international transit.
The Spanish royals have a consistent track record of travelling the globe to support their country’s sportsmen and women on major international stages.
In August 2023, Queen Letizia and her youngest daughter, Infanta Sofía, flew to Sydney, Australia to attend the final of the Fifa Women's World Cup.
They were present in the stands at Stadium Australia to watch Spain secure a historic 1-0 victory by beating England to lift the trophy. Prince William was notably not in attendance.
King Felipe has also maintained this tradition of royal support.
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The monarch travelled to London to watch Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz compete in the Wimbledon gentlemen's singles final in both 2023 and 2025.
Royal House of Spain | Source: INSTAGRAM/@CASAREAL.ES
Following Mr Alcaraz's 2023 victory over Novak Djokovic, the tennis player famously joked during his on-court interview that he had won both times the King was in attendance, urging the monarch to come to more of his matches.
While the Royal House of Spain is out in full force in New York, the British royals are absent from tonight’s proceedings.
Prince William's absence comes after England was knocked out of the competition in a devastating 2-1 semi-final defeat against Argentina.
Following the match, the royal issued a personal message on social media to express his reaction to the result.
Signing off with his trademark 'W', he wrote: "Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament.
"The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high."
Had the result gone differently, the Prince of Wales would have been in the stands in New York tonight.
During a recent guest appearance on the New Heights podcast hosted by American football stars Jason and Travis Kelce, the royal confirmed his travel plans depended entirely on England's success.
When asked by Jason if he would "cross the pond" for the climax of the tournament, William replied: "Definitely. If we're in the final."
Anticipating a successful run, he even told the brothers: "See you both there for the final," and joked about writing a formal letter to excuse Travis from NFL training camp so he could attend.
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