The Royal Family’s annual summer reception at Marivent, where they host representatives from various sectors and institutions, came with a few surprises this year. The biggest one was the attendance of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, who joined this important Balearic event for the first time. Another standout was the appearance of one of Mallorca’s most famous faces: Rafael Nadal. The tennis star, who retired at the end of 2024, caused a stir, the ceremony was his first public reunion with King Felipe VI since being granted a noble title.
In the Marivent gardens, which span over 9,000 square meters and feature native plants and original Joan Miró sculptures, Nadal reunited with other legendary athletes. One of them was Rudy Fernández, the Mallorcan basketball player, who came with his wife, Helen Lindes. The three of them chatted while waiting in the long line to greet the Royal Family. Nadal also spent time with Palma Futsal’s general manager, José Antonio Tirado Tallón, who’s going through a meaningful summer. He recently reappeared in public after what he described as “the hardest year of my life,” having taken time off to focus on his mental health. “I spent three months in a psychiatric clinic, and I’m still in recovery and on medication,” he recently told Última Hora.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesThis marked Nadal’s first public meeting with King Felipe VI since being named Marquess of Llevant de Mallorca. The title became official just over a month ago, published in the Official State Gazette (BOE). The announcement praised the honorees for their excellence in service to the Crown or in fields like thought, culture, science, arts, and sports. Nadal was one of six people granted noble titles for the first time during this reign, along with swimmer Teresa Perales, singer Luz Casal, former Royal Household chief Jaime Alfonsín, biochemist Carlos López Otín, and photographer Cristina García Rodero.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesOne of the warmest moments came when Nadal greeted the Royal Family in order: King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, Infanta Sofía, and Queen Sofía. He chatted with each of them in a relaxed, friendly tone. His relationship with the Royal Family has always been close, built on mutual respect and affection. They supported him throughout his legendary career, and King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofía even attended his wedding to Mery Perelló and visited his academy in Manacor.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesDespite being such a major figure, Nadal had never attended the Marivent reception before—probably due to professional commitments, as he usually spent his summers training or competing. But things are different now. With retirement, he’s focused on family life, which is about to grow: he and Mery, his high school sweetheart, are expecting their second child this summer.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesAt the reception, which featured a menu by chef Andreu Genestra, Nadal was a huge draw. Many guests wanted a photo with the tennis legend who put Spain on the world stage. A unifying figure across generations, he’s now left the sport behind with one simple wish: to be remembered as a positive person.
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