Felipe VI to watch solar eclipse from Mallorca's Son Marroig

King Felipe VI of Spain will observe the total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, from the Son Marroig estate in Deià, Mallorca, a spot chosen for its clear horizon over the Mediterranean Source: elespanol. The eclipse, which will plunge parts of the island into darkness for about a minute and a half, begins at 19:38 in Palma, reaches its maximum at 20:32, and will be visible with the sun just two degrees above the horizon Source: elmundoes.

Royal watchers

The Balearic Islands have become a magnet for royalty during the eclipse. While Felipe VI heads to Son Marroig, the Qatari royal family's megayacht Katara has anchored off Ciutadella in Menorca, and the Dubai royal house has planned observations from Port de Sóller Source: infobae. Some local residents have expressed concern that the yacht could obstruct the view of the low-hanging sun Source: infobae.

A lifelong passion

Felipe's interest in astronomy stems from his maternal grandmother, Queen Federica of Greece, who gave him his first telescope as a child Source: elmundoes. He has publicly credited her influence, saying, "Me viene por influencia familiar por mi abuela materna, de origen alemán, que me introdujo en la astrofísica desde pequeño" Source: elconfidencial. The King has maintained ties with the scientific community, recently speaking with astrophysicist Rafael Luque, winner of the Princess of Girona Award 2026 Source: elconfidencial.

Solo observation

Reports differ on who will accompany the King. El Español suggests his mother, Queen Sofía, might join him, but there is no official confirmation Source: elespanol. El Mundo, however, states that Felipe will watch the eclipse alone, as Queen Letizia and their daughters returned to Madrid on Sunday after their stay in Palma Source: elmundoes. After the event, the King is expected to travel to Madrid and then on to a family holiday destination Source: elmundoes.