The King has awarded Jaime Alfonsín with the Grand Cross of Carlos III, the highest decoration granted by the State, as published today by the Official State Gazette (BOE), after the Council of Ministers approved at its meeting this Tuesday the corresponding royal decree. Alfonsín, who resigned last Monday, held the top position in Zarzuela since the proclamation of Felipe VI in 2014, after having been head of the Secretariat of the Prince of Asturias since 1995.
The royal decree indicates the protocol formula with the reasons for the concession: “Wanting to show my Royal appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Jaime Alfonsín Alfonso, at the proposal of the President of the Government, and after deliberation of the Council of Ministers at its meeting of the day February 20, 2024, I come to grant you the Grand Cross of the Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Carlos III.”
After his dismissal, Alfonsín, who has been replaced by the diplomat Camilo Villarino, is now the King’s Private Advisor.
The order of Charles III was created in the 18th century by the king of the same name and consists of different degrees: Collar, Grand Cross, Commandery and Cross. The Necklace is reserved for members of the royal family (Princess Eleanor received it on her 18th birthday); foreign heads of state and heads of government; The Grand Cross is the decoration that ministers receive when they leave their posts (the Head of the King’s Household has the rank of minister) and is also awarded to certain personalities for their service to the State.
