Overview
- The Council of Ministers approved the honors on Tuesday, confirming the Gran Cruz for former Extremadura leader Guillermo Fernández Vara and former Aragón president Javier Lambán.
- Government spokesperson Pilar Alegría said the awards pay tribute to lives defined by public service and a focus on citizens' needs.
- Javier Lambán died on 15 August, while Guillermo Fernández Vara died on Sunday, 5 October, prompting formal mourning in their regions.
- The Real Orden de Carlos III has been a civil order since 1847, with the Gran Cruz ranking below the Collar typically reserved for royalty and heads of state or government.
- Spain's Congress and Senate held moments of silence on Tuesday for Fernández Vara, and Extremadura opened a public condolence book for citizens to leave messages.