Spain and Belgium's royals change their plans

Following the death of former Spanish Prime Minister, Adolfo Suarez, the Spanish Royal House has cancelled all engagements scheduled for the first three days of the week to observe official mourning. And that means that the welcome visit planned by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians may change.

Mathilde of Belgium and Letizia of Spain were due to meet again this week as the new queen visited Madrid with her husband

The Prince and Princess of Asturias were due to meet the Belgian monarchs at Barajas airport on their arrival in Madrid and accompany them to the Zarzuela Palace where they were all to have lunch with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.  But it's not clear whether the visit will go ahead as planned as the Spanish royals mourn the former prime minister.  The Belgian royals have another important visit this week as they are due to welcome President Barack Obama of the United States as he pays a two day visit linked to commemorations for the centenary of the start of World War One.  For now, Spanish royal plans are in flux as the king mourns a man he described as a 'loyal friend' and his royal household joins official mourning.