During a recent visit to Spain, Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), met Queen Sophia of Spain at the royal palace in Madrid. Dr. Hawass brought a special edition copy of his latest book, A Secret Voyage, as a gift for Queen Sophia, which was engraved with a special plaque to commemorate the occasion. Queen Sophia was so delighted that she decided to display it as a piece of art for the palace’s visitors.
Dr. Hawass signs a limited edition copy of A Secret Voyage for Queen Sophia (Photo: Courtesy of the Spanish Royal House photographer/Borja)
Dr. Hawass offered the first copy of A Secret Voyage to President Hosni Mubarak for his many contributions to Egypt and the Egyptian people. The second copy will be given to the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama. Dr. Hawass will also offer copies to a few select international figures.
In addition to meeting with Queen Sophia, Dr. Hawass presented his first lecture in Spain entitled “My Discoveries” at the Palacio de Congresos in Madrid. The 1,700 seat venue was completely sold out for the event.
Dr. Hawass presents his lecture, "My Discoveries," to a full audience at the Palacio de Congresos in Madrid
During the lecture, Francisco Lara, a representative of the APFOA -la Plataforma para el Fomento de los Oficios Artísticos, announced that Dr. Hawass had been chosen as the 2010 Personality of the Year for his many contributions to the field of Egyptology.
