King Juan Carlos arrives for his annual holiday

King Juan Carlos of Spain arrived in Majorca yesterday morning by Spanish airforce jet. He was met and welcomed at the military airbase of Palma's airport by the leader of the local government and various civic dignitaries. The King will be staying at the Marivent Palace in Cala Major with his family for the duration of his stay. Due to join him after their visit to St Petersburg are his wife, Queen Sofia of Spain and the heir to the throne, Prince Felipe. With them will be the King's daughters, the Infanta Cristina, Duchess of Palma de Mallorca, and the Infanta Elena. During his stay in Majorca the King will undertake various official functions and appointments, including an audience with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar. There is much speculation that he will also meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is said to be visiting Palma at some stage in the next four weeks. When not involved with official business, the King and his family will be cruising on their new Royal Yacht Fortuna, skippered by English captain Peter Cross. Fortuna was built especially for the King and was funded by a consortium of local business people who presented it to the Royal Family as a gift for their constant promotion of Majorca and the Balearic Islands. The earlier Fortuna has now been retired. The yacht is currently being meticulously prepared for the family. The King will be taking part in the sailing regatta Copa del Rey (The King's Cup) at the end of July on the Spanish Navy Yacht Bribon, which he has sailed for many years. He and his family are keen sailors and could sail to victory in the regatta, as they have done before. There will be a marked increase in security around the island for the duration of the King's visit.