Sold – Signed Photograph of the King and Queen of Spain
Obtained at a dinner where they lined up the support of the captains of American industry for democratization in Spain.
Spain fell under the rule of fascist Francisco Franco in 1939, and for the next thirty plus years suffered repression and all the disadvantages dictatorship brings politically and economically. However, by 1969, Franco was old and fading, and liberalization took firm root in many places in the country.
Unwilling to accede...
Spain fell under the rule of fascist Francisco Franco in 1939, and for the next thirty plus years suffered repression and all the disadvantages dictatorship brings politically and economically. However, by 1969, Franco was old and fading, and liberalization took firm root in many places in the country.
Unwilling to accede to this trend but understanding that change would come one way or the other after his death, Franco determined to bring back the monarchy, which had lost power when the Republic was proclaimed in 1931.
In July 1969, Franco proclaimed Prince Juan Carlos, grandson of the last king, as his successor, and left behind a constitution that envisioned the Prince becoming king. The future king was married to Princess Sofia of Greece, daughter of King Paul I and Queen Federika.
On the death of Franco, Juan Carlos was proclaimed King on November 22, 1975. In his first message to the nation he expressed the basic ideas of his reign, to restore democracy and prosperity to Spain. At first, however, Arias Navarro, Franco’s last premier, remained in his post as head of the government. Soon he showed himself incapable of guaranteeing a transition to the democracy the King sought, so he was squeezed out and replaced by Adolfo Suarez in July 1976.
The transition to democracy, under the guidance of a new government, began with the Law on Politicial Reform which followed immediately thereafter. The first democratic elections were held in 1977. Since then, Spain has emerged as a modern, democratic, prosperous part of Europe, and the King and Queen, who did so much to bring this about, are immensely popular.
The Royal couple traveled extensely in the early years after their coronation in order to promote Spain and bring to the world the story of what was to come. With the change in government just a month away and plans for it surely already in place, they came to the United States in June 1976. A dinner was held for them at the Waldorf Astoria in New York on June 4, sponsored by the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce and The Spanish Institute. Among the invitees were Nancy and Dillard Spriggs of Petroleum Analysis Ltd., an oil industry consulting firm.
We offer an original invitation to the event, 12 by 17 inches as folded out, with a 5 1/2 by 8 inch color photograph of the Royal couple at right, signed by both for Mr. Spriggs at his request at the dinner. Beautifully framed with a purple velvet mat.
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