Ángela Aguilar ended 2022 embroiled in controversy for declaring herself 25 percent Argentinean thanks to her maternal heritage. Many social network users pointed out that her comment was out of place, not only because she made it when the national team of said South American country won the World Cup but also because she did not mention Mexico. However, she has developed her artistic career as a regional singer.
Although her father jumped to her defense, she continues to be criticized for it. Amid the scandal, the American singer once again became one of the main trends on social networks for boasting about her recent participation in a Spanish royal event and her time with Queen Sofía, mother of the King of Spain, Felipe VI.
On Monday, February 20, the singer of “Dime cómo quieres” attended as a special guest at the Premios Iberoamericanos de Mecenazgo 2023, an event organized by the Queen Sofia Foundation. According to local media, Ángela closed the event with two hits that catapulted her career as a soloist to an international level: “La llorona and La malagueña.”
The member of the Aguilar dynasty stole the show, not because of her masterful interpretations but because she accidentally broke the protocol of Spanish royalty. During the event, she had the honor of meeting Queen Sofía but forgot that there are rules for approaching a member of royalty. Instead of asking permission to greet the mother of King Felipe VI with her hand, as protocol indicates, she hugged her from behind.
The awkward moment was captured in the singer’s photograph on her Instagram. The postcard shows Ángela Aguilar wearing a white dress with blue details inspired by Mexican talavera, a necklace with an oval pendant, and large earrings that contrast with her red lipstick. In contrast, Queen Emeritus Sofía wore an elegant outfit.
“Tremendous privilege, something I never imagined. Music is definitely the universal language. Thank you so much! This experience is in my heart.”
Ángela Aguilar
Few social media users noticed that Ángela Aguilar broke protocol by crossing her arm behind Queen Sofía’s back. Yet, her photo went viral on social media, unleashing endless criticism against her. Many launched sarcastic comments about the possibility of her declaring herself Spanish after her encounter with royalty.
“Now, what’s next? 32% Spanish, and we won’t understand either????” “10% Spanish, but you wouldn’t understand.” “She doesn’t represent me, not at all.” “She is not proud of her roots, so either she pretends to be from anywhere.” “20% Spanish.” “Now you’re Madrileña?”. “Now you will say that the queen is part of your family tree? Do you also have Spanish ancestry or what?” were some reactions.
What is the protocol for greeting a royal?
All Royal Families follow a set of uses and customs of courtesy that they have adopted throughout their history, although they have been updated as the years have passed. In Spain, bowing is not compulsory, unlike in England, where this practice is still carried out in certain events.
There are two ways of greeting the Spanish kings, one more formal than the other, and its use will only depend on the circumstances. The greeting includes posture and look: the man should shake hands and bow his head slightly, while the woman should bend her knees slightly (genuflection).