A man gives a speech in an elegant hall with several people seated and a row of flags from different countries behind him. — View of the Hall of Columns during Felipe VI's address | Casa de S.M. el Rey

Camara — View of the Hall of Columns during Felipe VI's address | Casa de S.M. el Rey

Breach in royal household protocol after a mistake with influencers: how it works

An error with the names of two influencers results in the attendance of one uninvited person at the event for the Accession Treaty

18/06/2025 00:30:00h

Jaime Luján

A new controversy has hit the Royal Household institution after the 40th Anniversary of the Signing of Spain's Accession Treaty to the European Community. One of the guests who attended the event was "influencer" Patricia Fernández, introduced as a "EU and human rights communicator" even though her content isn't related to that topic. The controversy arose after another Patricia Fernández, whose online profile fit the event better, spoke out on social media.

Patricia Fernández, the absent one (@patriciafedez), has explained on social media that this was a mistake by the organization and that she should've been invited. Meanwhile, the namesake "influencer" (@patriwhitehouse), specialized in "lifestyle" and fashion, has stated that Royal Household confirmed to her that her invitation was "correct." The truth is that the content of the absent Patricia Fernández revolves around culture and the European Union, unlike the woman who did attend.

Two women pose in different settings, one with long, loose hair in front of a light-colored wall and the other sitting on an elegant chair in a decorated living room, wearing a white dress with black details.

The "influencers" Patricia Fernández: @patriciafedez and @patriwhitehouse | Montaje propio

In any case, the management of invitations to events of His Majesty the King's Household falls to the Protocol Unit. If it turns out there was a mistake in sending invitations, this team from the Royal Household would be responsible.

The Protocol Unit of the Royal Household

The Protocol team is responsible for "preparing and directing the protocol for the official activities of the Royal Family," according to the institution's official website. This team carries out this task both within the country and abroad. Since 2021, the head of the Unit has been Bernardo Francisco de Lizaur Cuesta, with a salary of €117,633 per year.

After this confusion with the influencers of the same name, this Protocol Unit is under scrutiny for a possible "security breach".

One of the tasks of the Royal Household's Protocol is to draw up the guest list for events organized by the institution. In this case, the confusion arose because of the influencers' names, since even the one who ultimately attended presented her documentation at the entrance.

Invitations aren't the only task of this Unit. They are also responsible for making sure everything is in order during the royals' trips. For example, the monarchs must travel with a reserve of their blood in case an urgent transfusion is needed. They also have to have a ambulance and hospital beds available, mourning clothes, and an entire floor of their accommodation reserved just for them.

Another of their activities is the placement of the royals in official photo sessions. Regarding event organization, this Unit ensures that protocol is followed at banquets and other ceremonies. Among other rules, each guest has 22.4 in. (57 cm) of space from the next diner, and the king never sits with his back to the window.

A man in a dark suit walks through an elegant room with a decorated carpet and golden curtains while several people watch him and guards in formal uniforms stand by the door.

Felipe VI Entering the Hall of Columns | Casa de S.M. el Rey

However, His Majesty the King's Household carries out more functions. The Protocol Unit is part of the General Secretariat, which replaces the Head of the Household in case of illness or absence. Within the General Secretariat, there are also units related to security and communication, among others.

The Structure of His Majesty the King's Household

His Majesty the King's Household is led by the Head of the Household, a position currently held by Camilo Villarino Marzo since 2024. His main task is "to ensure the optimal functioning of its services and the fulfillment of the missions assigned to it." The Head oversees the Diplomatic Advisor, who assists with international relations, and a controller for economic and financial management.

The general secretary, Mercedes Araújo Díaz de Terán, is the second-in-command of the Royal Household. This secretariat has several units, including Protocol. One of the most important is the Security Service, which ensures the protection of the Royal Family.

Other units are the Planning and Coordination Office, the Secretariat of H.M. the Queen—to assist Letizia—and Administration, Infrastructure, and Services. There is also the Communication Unit, which informs the media about the content and development of the Royal Family's official activities.

Finally, there is the Military Chamber, which is responsible for preparing the military activities of the Royal Family members. This body constitutes the honorary representation of the military institution.

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