Spanish royal couple back in France after German wings crash
Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia kicked off a three-day state visit in France on Tuesday, after having to delay their last trip because of a deadly plane crash in March involving dozens of Spanish victims. The royal couple were greeted by French President François Hollande and his ex-partner and current Ecology minister Segolene Royal, increasingly at his side.
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Two months after cancelling their last trip, the Spanish royal couple returned to Paris on Tuesday where they were greeted by jostling fans near the Champs Elysées avenue, and former partners François Hollande and Ségolène Royal at the Elysée palace. The ex-political duo have become inseparable in recent months.
King Felipe VI, who took over from his father Juan Carlos a year ago has pledged to reinforce economic cooperation with France, which according to the French government is "exceptional."
France boasts the position of Spain's principal trade partner, and is the second biggest supplier to Spain.
The three day visit will be filled with ceremonial activity, such as a state dinner Tuesday evening with President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace, but also entertainment with visit to a Velasquez exhibit.
Felipe will also give a special award to emergency officials who cleared the wreckage of a Germanwings plane that crashed March 24 in the French Alps en route from Barcelona to Duesseldorf. All 150 people aboard were killed.
On Wedneday, the 47-year old monarch will give a speech in French before deputies at the French National Assembly.
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