Spanish Royals booed and pelted with eggs by angry crowds during visit to flood-stricken Valencia

In a scene of rare public dissent, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia faced boos and egg-throwing from angry crowds in Valencia’s flood-ravaged region on Sunday. 

As they arrived in Paiporta, an area hit hardest by last week’s devastating floods that have claimed more than 200 lives, residents hurled mud, rocks, and eggs at the royal couple. 

Chants of "murderer" rang out as the king and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez toured the area, where locals have accused officials of a slow response to the crisis.

Security quickly stepped in, opening umbrellas to shield the royals and other officials from the projectiles, as police struggled to hold back the crowd. 

Despite the escalating chaos, King Felipe stayed, lowering his umbrella to engage with a distressed resident, while Queen Letizia listened to others who expressed grief and frustration. The Queen, visibly shaken, was seen holding her head in her hands at one point. 

Footage released by the Royal Family’s social media channel later showed the king and queen embracing tearful residents, including a man who collapsed into King Felipe's arms. In one video, the monarch is also seen hugging two crying women.

The king’s presence continued even as other officials, including regional governor Carlos Mazon and Prime Minister Sanchez, left early. Sanchez’s office later cited security protocol as the reason for his early departure, while Mazon acknowledged the “anger” and praised the king’s resilience in staying amid the upheaval.

The crisis has triggered anger across Valencia, as authorities' response to the disaster has been criticized as uncoordinated and slow. 

Flood warnings were delayed, with text alerts sent hours after the Spanish Weather Agency had issued alerts. Responding to mounting public frustration, Sanchez has since ordered 5,000 additional troops to assist in recovery efforts, acknowledging that the government’s initial response was “not enough.” 

Political differences between Mazon and Sanchez have compounded delays, as Spain’s federal government cannot release emergency resources without regional approval. 

The disaster has left extensive damage, with many homes, businesses, and roads buried under thick layers of mud and debris. 

As of Sunday, new rain warnings were issued, with authorities urging residents to remain cautious as storms were expected in parts of Castellón and Tarragona.