Royal couple to attend Toledo funeral for 69 Urda train crash victims

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will attend a funeral mass on Tuesday at Toledo Cathedral for the 69 victims of the Urda high-speed train crash, which occurred on October 28. The service will begin at 19:00 and will be presided over by Archbishop Francisco Cerro Chaves, assisted by auxiliary bishop Francisco César García Magán.

Emiliano García-Page, president of Castilla-La Mancha, appealed for national unity ahead of the ceremony. Speaking at the National Gastronomy Awards in the regional capital on Monday, he said he hoped all Spaniards could come together at the event and described the cathedral ceremony as a meeting of remembrance.

“I sincerely believe that even in tragedies we have to find the best arguments to feel what we are as a people.”

The royal couple traveled to Toledo the day after the accident to accompany victims and their families. They will be joined by García-Page and several ministers, including First Vice President and Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo and Education Minister Milagros Tolón.

Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo has also confirmed his attendance. However, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will not be present, arguing that he does not attend religious events; he likewise missed the funeral for the Adamuz train crash victims in Huelva.

For the occasion, the image of the Cristo de la Vera Cruz of Urda will leave the town for the first time to be placed in the primate cathedral. The 1596 carving by Luis de Villoldo will occupy the place of the Virgin of the Sagrario and will be accompanied by 69 lit candles in memory of the deceased.

Five bishops from Castilla-La Mancha and the president of the Episcopal Conference, Luis Javier Argüello, will also attend the service. Zarzuela confirmed the royal couple's participation in the tribute.