Spanish King, 58, taken to hospital after busy weekend

King Felipe VI spent the night in hospital over the weekend after undergoing surgery. 

The Spanish King, 58, had cataract surgery on his left eye before spending Saturday night at the Fernández-Vega Ophthalmological Institute in Oviedo. 

It was a routine operation lasting half an hour, and the head of state was discharged on Sunday morning, returning to Madrid. 

He was seen leaving the clinic wearing sunglasses before greeting the press and getting into his car, as reported by HELLO!'s sister magazine, HOLA!.

Specialist Luis Fernández-Vega, who performed the surgery, told RTVE's 24 Horas news channel that the procedure was successful and that recovery would be quick. 

Significance of King Felipe's surgery

Cataracts occur when the lens in the eye becomes cloudy, blurring vision and potentially leading to vision loss. 

Though they usually don't need treatment straight away, surgery may eventually be required to improve sight. 

According to the doctor, King Felipe will only need to use "eye drops for a few days" and avoid strenuous activity. 

Usually, people who undergo cataract surgery can go home the same day. The doctor explained: "We performed the procedure yesterday afternoon/evening, as a result of his participation in the Exemplary Town event. Since we finished late, he stayed overnight here rather than going to a hotel."

King Felipe will soon be able to resume as normal. "There's nothing preventing him from doing so," Luis added. 

"He'll wear sunglasses for protection and as a reminder that he recently had surgery, but nothing more. His vision will improve."

King Felipe's recent engagements

Before the surgery, the Spanish monarch had a busy week of family engagements.

On Saturday morning, the King, accompanied by Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía, presented the 2026 Exemplary Town Award, which this year went to the Santa Ana Fishermen's Guild in Llanes.

During the engagement, Queen Letizia had an unfortunate slip as she fell over on a boat and hit the deck.

The engagements concluded at around 3 pm, after which King Felipe travelled to the hospital for his surgery.

On Thursday, the family attended the Princess of Asturias Awards for 2026, including the concert and official awards ceremony. 

During the event, heir to the throne Princess Leonor gave a speech before recognising award winners Patti Smith, Leo Messi, Julian Barnes, and Christina Koch, while King Felipe also gave an address.