top of page

Britain Welcomes Spanish King, Tries Not to Mention the Armada

  • Writer: RCS Ottawa
    RCS Ottawa
  • Jul 13, 2017
  • 1 min read

British diplomats are brushing over a century of conflict and one attempted invasion as they seek to bolster ties with Spain in the midst of the Brexit negotiations.

The U.K. Foreign Office is vaunting “500 years of partnership” with “some of Britain’s oldest friends” ahead of King Felipe VI’s state visit which begins on Wednesday. That reading skips over a few details along the way though, such as the time Spain sent its Armada to conquer Britain and the sporadic wars of the 18th century, not to mention the dispute over Gibraltar that’s been simmering for more than 300 years.

Elizabeth II’s grand greeting for Felipe and his wife Queen Letizia, with all the pomp that Britain can muster, is more to do with the country’s current predicament than the history of its relationship with Spain, said Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London.


Recent Posts

See All
An Autocrat - a 10 point checklist

Democracy is in trouble, despite popular uprisings and dynamic social movements in Lebanon, Hong Kong and across Europe and Latin...

 
 
 
"The Social Dilemma"

Social media, by design nurtures addiction in order to maximize advertising profit. Social media platforms use "notifications" and...

 
 

RCS Ottawa

established 1968

Basil Crozier - Chair

Chair@rcs-ottawa.ca 

© 2024 By Royal Commonwealth Society Ottawa  Charity# 119128916RR0001

bottom of page