Queen Sofia's brithday celebrations

Nov 2, 2007, 13:30 GMT

Spain's Queen Sofia will be celebrating her 69th birthday with friends and family today (02.11.07).

The queen will be joined by her relatives - including her eighth grandchild, the Infanta Sofia, who was born in April - at her home, the Palacio de la Zarzuela, on the outskirts of Madrid.

The queen is currently preparing for her upcoming controversial trip with King Juan Carlos to two Spanish enclaves in North Africa.

The couple will make their first official visit to the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla - territories Morocco claim to be rightly theirs - on Monday (05.11.07).

However, the trip has sparked controversy because of the political sensitivities involved.

Moroccan Prime Minister Abas el Fassi said he hopes the royal pair will call off the visit, adding: "I have a deep regret after hearing about their visit, because it could affect the privileged relationship between the two friendly countries. I hope it will be abandoned.

"These two cities are part of the territory of the Kingdom of Morocco, and their return to their motherland of Spain will take place via direct negotiations with our neighbour, Spain."

(C) BANG Media International