Infanta Elena of Spain made a surprise and notable appearance, accompanied by the mayor of Madrid, at the Nuevo Futuro flea market, a charity market supported by Simoneta Gómez-Acebo, the daughter of Infanta Pilar.
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Infanta Elena visits a charity flea market after work
The Nuevo Futuro flea market was inaugurated this Thursday, November 14, 2024 by Simoneta Gómez-Acebo. The 56-year-old aristocrat is the daughter of Infanta Pilar, sister of King Juan Carlos. Infanta Pilar, Duchess of Badajoz, has long supported this association which manages foster homes for minors who are taken from their parents. King Juan Carlos’ sister died in 2020 and his daughter Simoneta took over and continues to support the association.
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This Thursday, after finishing her working day at the MAPFRE Foundation, Infanta Elena, 60, took a detour into the capital to join the Nuevo Futuro flea market which was opening its doors. The arrival of King Felipe VI’s older sister was a surprise and journalists flocked to her to gather her impressions. Rather discreet in her appearances, Infanta Elena took the opportunity to offer her condolences to the inhabitants of the Valencia region, herself having relatives who witnessed the deadly floods.
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Simoneta Gómez-Acebo took over after the death of her mother and in turn supports the Nuevo Futuro association
Infanta Elena then highlighted the important work of the Nuevo Futuro association and encouraged all Madrilenians to visit this charity garage sale. Infanta Elena then took a tour of the stands, guided by her first cousin. Infanta Elena and Simoneta were accompanied by the mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, who had recently become a cousin by marriage of the royal family. Last April, the mayor of Madrid married Teresa Urquijo, granddaughter of Princess Teresa of Bourbon of the Two Sicilies. Princess Teresa was a first cousin of King Juan Carlos and Infanta Pilar.
Infanta Elena was coming out of work wearing a gray pinstriped pants and suit set. She wore black boots, a pearl necklace and a pendant representing an origami folded paper boat. This Friday, Queen Sofia is expected at the flea market. The Queen Emeritus also lends her almost annual support to this event which her sister-in-law once organized. It is common for Queen Sofia to spend time there to do some shopping and find gifts to give her grandchildren at Christmas.
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
