Every time an election approaches in our country, many people wonder if King Felipe VI (56 years old) and Queen Letizia (51 years old) can vote. Furthermore, in the case of confirmation, there are also those who are curious who want to know if they truly exercise their right to vote or not. In any case, there is the possibility of voting, although They certainly never have. due to the idea of maintaining political neutrality and not taking a position.
However, in the rest of the European monarchies there are different particularities which cause some contrasts to exist between them. Furthermore, this time it is a European election in which 61 MEPs must be elected. Therefore, it is all the member countries of the European Union that are called to the polls this Sunday, June 9. What will Frederick of Denmark or Charles III do? We know the answers.
The right to vote of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia
Like any Spanish citizen who resides in our country and has reached the age of majority, the monarchs can exercise their right to vote. The possibility exists although it is not really something they have wanted to get involved in since very ancient times. Both Felipe and Letizia and in this case Princess Leonor (18 years old) are part of this popular call, which however they do not attend for different relevant reasons.
The role of the Spanish monarchy is to represent the unity and permanence of the State. Therefore, the political neutrality It is configured as one of the most important and key elements to follow. This is why the Kings do not usually exercise their right to vote, even though it is secret and the result of their vote does not have to come to light. However, to avoid guesswork, they do not usually do it.
However, it must be remembered that there have been different occasions in which The Spanish monarchs have voted. The Law for Political Reform, the Spanish Constitution, NATO and the European Constitution. In any case, what are political elections in Spain or in Europe have never voted even though they can legally do so. In fact, since Letizia became a member of the royal family, she has not exercised her right to vote, something that the rest of the close members do not do either, such as the case of the Princess of Asturias.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla before the European elections
In the case of the United Kingdom there is a clear difference with respect to the rest of Europe. Since the famous Brexit, the aforementioned country is not part of the European Union and, therefore, the British people are not called to vote at the polls this June 9. However, the question arises as to whether they can truly do so or not, regardless of whether it is not appropriate in this case.
In the legal framework, both King Carlos III and the rest of his family can vote, but as happened in our country It’s not something they do to avoid all kinds of speculation. In this way, they follow the line of political impartiality that Queen Elizabeth II marked for so many years. Furthermore, on July 4, a general election will take place in the country, in which this decision of the British royal family can be seen.
The position of European monarchs in the European elections
Aside from the British case, the same doubt is raised in the rest of the European monarchies about their right to vote. Each country has different characteristics that we will detail below. In this situation Federico and Mary from Denmark debut, since it is the first time since his accession to the throne last January. Furthermore, his role is clearly defined in these types of issues.
The Danish Kings do not receive their ballots because their Constitution emphasizes the symbolic role of the Crown. Therefore, they are not called to vote, thus following a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. In fact, it is something that Queen Margaret and the rest of the royals have done for many years with all types of elections, whether national or European.
The case of Belgium is one of the most curious in all of Europe. Kings Felipe and Matilda are the only citizens (who meet the requirements) who they can’t vote. That is why they must stay away from any political demonstration, something that is not prevented from the rest of the members of their family. In fact, the four children of the monarchs could be seen going to their polling station.
Guillermo and Máxima of Holland continue this line of impartiality and neutrality and therefore they do not go to the polls to avoid speculation about their votes. This unwritten rule is also followed by the Swedish Kings, since they can do it but in practice they do not carry it out. The same thing happens in the Norwegian Royal House, although on this occasion they are not called to the polls because they do not belong to the European Union. However, they maintain the position of neutrality and do not break with that impartiality that is assumed of Kings.
