King of Spain becomes first monarch to visit Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss.
(March 31, 2001 7:33 p.m. EST) - Arriving Saturday for a one-day visit, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain became the first reigning monarchs to visit the state.

They were scheduled to tour the "Majesty of Spain" exhibit, visit with lawmakers at the state Capitol and attend a reception at the Governor's Mansion.

The king also spoke at a luncheon at the Mississippi Arts Pavilion.

Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said he hoped the visit would spotlight and strengthen Mississippi's economic and cultural ties to Spain.

"Every time we have the opportunity to present Mississippi with its outstanding resources, people and opportunities, we have a better chance of drawing another company or cultural opportunity," Musgrove said.

About 100 spectators, waving the Spanish flag, cheered the king and queen as they arrived at the art exhibit in downtown Jackson.

The exhibit contains more than 600 items from 18th and 19th century Spain. It includes collections from the Prado Museum and the Royal Palaces in Madrid.

Juan Carlos, 63, has been king of Spain's constitutional monarchy since 1975. His six-day U.S. tour began Tuesday. He and his wife met Wednesday with President Bush in Washington, D.C. Before returning next week to Madrid, the couple plan to stop in Miami for a visit with the president's brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

News Copyright © 2001 Interest!ALERT

-----