Spanish King Guides Virtual Tour of Las Meninas

King Felipe VI Explains Velázquez's 'Las Meninas' in Museo del Prado Video Madrid, Spain – King Felipe VI of Spain recently appeared in a short video produced in collaboration with the Museo del Prado. The video, released on June 3rd, 2025, focuses on Diego Velázquez's masterpiece, 'Las Meninas.' The King acts as a guide, highlighting key aspects of the painting and its historical significance. "This is a painting perfectly recognizable worldwide," the King explains in the video, pointing to Velázquez's self-portrait. He then draws attention to the Infanta Margarita, the central figure, noting the use of light to make her the focal point. The video also touches upon a fascinating detail: the addition of the red cross of the Order of Santiago to Velázquez's self-portrait. The King explains that this detail was not originally part of the painting, adding, "It's believed it was added later, perhaps by Velázquez himself after he was knighted." The collaboration between the Spanish monarchy and the Museo del Prado demonstrates the ongoing effort to promote Spanish art and culture on a global stage. The concise and engaging format of the video makes complex art history accessible to a wider audience, promising increased engagement with the museum's online presence.