SAN ANTONIO – For the first time in three decades, San Antonio is playing host to the king and queen of Spain to celebrate the city's Tricentennial and its roots as a Spanish colonial village.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia arrived in San Antonio Saturday evening, and Sunday morning their majesties had a packed day touring the city and meeting with officials.
They briefly met with the public at the Spanish Governors Palace before seeing other historical Spanish landmarks in the city.
Many people waited outside of the palace to catch a glimpse of the royal couple.
Liza Zamudio said this is a historical moment she didn't want to miss.
"When I found out that they were coming a few weeks ago I was like 'oh my gosh' I have to find out where exactly the king and queen are going to be because I want to be able to see them," Zamudio said.
The king and queen also shook hands with those who had waited for them.
"He came directly straight toward us when he greeted us so it was very special to us," Sandra Perusquia said.
Once inside the palace, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and other city leaders presented the king and queen with a Tricentennial plaque, honoring Sunday's historic moment.
Then their majesties had a private tour of Mission San Jose, then returned downtown to the Bexar County Courthouse where they attended the inauguration of a Spanish traveling exhibit.
Marie Weaver, with the Canary Islanders Association, said it was special to her because she is related to the royals.
"He shook my hands and I even told him we're cousins and he says 'Oh good!" Weaver said.
"It was actually King Phillip that sent the Canary islanders over here to start San Antonio. So yes, it's very important to us to see the king especially for us, because we actually are related to the king 26 generations down," Weaver said.
Their royal couple will wrap up their day at the Pearl Stables with a private dinner with Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday night and other city officials.
Monday will be their last day in San Antonio where they will visit the Tricentennial exhibit at the San Antonio Museum of Art, before they fly to Washington D.C. to meet with President Donald Trump later this week.
Video of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain arriving in San Antonio at the Spanish Governor's Palace meeting with City of San Antonio - Municipal Government officials.
Posted by Sarah Acosta on Sunday, June 17, 2018
The crowds welcoming the King and Queen of Spain at Plaza de Armas!
Posted by Sarah Acosta on Sunday, June 17, 2018