The queen blows out 50 candles this September 15. Her impulse from her first years in Zarzuela have given way to a greater naturalness and closeness of her. Joy, with his work, has brought reality to the institution. He has become a pillar. These are the next challenges for him.
Letizia left her old profession as a journalist, when she was at the top, and became princess of Asturias to become queen. A woman of her time and generation, who has brought closeness and reality to the institution. It has humanized the monarchy.
The journalist arrives at the Zarzuela on November 1, 2003, when Casa Real makes public her official commitment to don Felipe. And five days later, on November 6, he reaches all Spaniards: it was at his official presentation, in the gardens of El Pardo. He was wearing the impeccable white Armani suit and in a moment of impulse he launched that “let me finish” to Felipe. It was Letizia Ortiz, whom we all knew as the presenter of the TVE newscast. On October 31, she hosted what would be her last newscast.
The first key date in this story is May 22, 2004, at the state wedding. A wedding passed through water, in the Almudena Cathedral, which made the bride the princess of Asturias.
Since his arrival at the Royal House, a fit was sought in the official agenda. Letizia, middle class, journalist, was not educated to be part of the royal family, and even less to be queen. Living in a palace isolates her and, from the beginning, the princess made an effort to maintain her usual friendships and continue with her hobbies: auteur films, books and her getaways through Malasaña.
The princes of Asturias gain absolute prominence, especially with the arrival of their two daughters, Leonor (October 31, 2005) and Sofía (April 29, 2007).
The persistent idea of keeping their daughters private with the desire to raise them in family normality was a mistake. A greater exposure of the family would have helped to create more closeness and empathize better. This was verified with the already famous scene of hugs and kisses at the Madrid-Barajas airport, at Leonor’s farewell before heading to Wales. A certain communication from Casa Real.
The second date is 10 years after the wedding: June 19, 2014. A historical moment that helps to understand his role within the Royal House. That day Felipe VI proclaimed himself king of Spain and Doña Letizia became queen. From then on, her fit within the House is consolidated. The consort begins to assume a solo agenda marked by a strong commitment to women, children, education, health and culture. She is honorary president of the Red Cross and has made seven solo cooperation trips: Honduras, Senegal, the Dominican Republic-Haiti, Mozambique, Honduras (again), Paraguay and Mauritania.
Work team with Don Felipe
Doña Letizia faces new challenges. She forms a cohesive team with Don Felipe and, as a team, they work together: we saw it throughout the pandemic on the royal macro tour to drive and promote the Spain brand. The Kings project an image of unity. That image strengthens the institution, which is experiencing critical moments of reputation due to the public image crisis of Don Juan Carlos, his financial irregularities and the pending lawsuit with Corinna Larsen.
In this scenario, the message transmitted by the King is one of transparency and exemplary character. An exemplary conduct, which resulted in the public dissemination of his assets (2,573,392.80 euros). The Kings have joined forces in their common work to revitalize and update the institution. Austerity and discretion also come into play. Two values that have become the brand of the House. They represent a renewed image of the monarchy. They represent the new times because they are a new generation.
To compose that photograph of the updated monarchy, Letizia is essential. The former journalist is essential to bring the King closer to the people. She has been trained in the public education system in all her cycles, from the Colegio Gesta in Oviedo and the IES Ramiro de Maeztu in Madrid, to the Faculty of Information Sciences of the UCM. Don Felipe also went through the public (UAM), but his training was that of an heir named to the Throne, who studied at Santa María de los Rosales and the COU at Lakefield College School in Toronto, Canada. Letizia has contributed and has added, from her reality as a working woman, with her ambitions as a successful professional on TVE. Wherever she goes she is the center of attention. She just comes from a reality similar to many families. A path that has helped her build bridges and bring the institution closer to the people.
As a mother, she also takes on new challenges
Her teenage daughters are part of a generation committed to climate change, sustainability, the environment, feminism and gender equality. They are the DNA of that generation. Letizia plays her role as guide on that path of Leonor and Sofía towards maturity. Leonor has one year left to turn 18. After her 2nd International Baccalaureate course at UWC Atlantic College, she will begin her military training. A tour for which she has the help of her father.
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