A visit by Spanish royalty, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, took place on February 19, 2009 as part of the Celebrate Pensacola festivities commemorating the 450th anniversary of the 1559 Luna expedition, which established "America's First Settlement" in the Pensacola area.
Contents
Arrival
The King and Queen arrived at Sherman Field, NAS Pensacola, late on the evening of February 18, 2009, and were transported to the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Hotel, where they stayed overnight.
Events
Breakfast
Approximately 45 Spanish expatriates were invited to a private breakfast with the King and Queen, held at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front.
Visit to Fort George
Public address
King Juan Carlos I made a public address from the second floor balcony of the T. T. Wentworth Florida State Museum, overlooking Plaza Ferdinand VII. The crowd was estimated between 2,000 and 3,000.
Luncheon
Departure
The King and Queen departed Pensacola for Miami in the late afternoon.