On November 3, in Valencia, Spain, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were met with anger and frustration from a crowd of flood victims during their visit to areas devastated by the country’s deadliest natural disaster in recent memory. The royal couple arrived to see firsthand the impact of the horrific floods that have claimed at least 205 lives, but their presence quickly turned into a scene of protest.
As they toured the town of Paiporta, residents shouted accusations at the royals, calling them “K!llers!” Many people in the crowd felt that the government’s response to the disaster was too slow and inadequate. They demanded action and accountability, expressing their anger by throwing mud and rocks at the King and Queen. Bodyguards used umbrellas to shield the royal couple from the debris, while police attempted to control the situation, with some officers on horseback.
Despite the mud on his face, King Felipe tried to engage with the people, patting some young men on the back and sharing brief embraces. Queen Letizia, visibly affected by the situation, spoke to several women and was seen tearing up as she comforted those who shared their struggles with her. One woman told the Queen, “We don’t have any water,” highlighting the ongoing hardships many faced even days after the floods.
As tensions rose, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had to be rushed away from the chaotic scene. The royals had planned to visit another heavily affected village, Chiva, but they called off that stop due to the unrest.
This outpouring of anger is part of a larger wave of frustration among Spaniards, who feel their government has struggled to meet the needs of the population following the catastrophic flooding. Many people remain without drinking water, and essential services like electricity and internet were still disrupted several days after the disaster struck.
The reaction from the crowd towards King Felipe and Queen Letizia reflects deep-seated frustrations with the government’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies, leaving many in eastern Spain feeling abandoned in their time of need.
