King Felipe VI Admits “Abuses” in Spanish Conquest of Mexico

2026-03-20 13:24:05

(MENAFN) Spain’s King Felipe VI has publicly acknowledged that “abuses” took place during the Spanish colonization of Mexico, comments that have reignited discussion about the nation’s colonial history.

Speaking on Monday at Madrid’s National Archaeological Museum during an exhibition highlighting indigenous women, Felipe stated that there was “a lot of abuse” during the conquest of territories that eventually became Mexico, according to reports.

He added, “There are things that, when we study them with present-day criteria … cannot make us feel proud,” in remarks made in the presence of Mexico’s ambassador to Spain, Quirino Ordaz.

These comments mark the first time a Spanish monarch has openly admitted to wrongdoing linked to the colonial period, a topic that has occasionally created tension between Madrid and Mexico in recent years.

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