It wasn’t love at first sight when the Spanish people had a common-born crown princess in Letizia Ortiz de Rocasolano in 2004 and queen in 2014. The former TV reporter and news presenter was too self-confident, headstrong and too expensive with her designer outfits. But in recent years, the Queen has worked her way into the hearts of the Spaniards with diligence, discipline and flawless performances. Letizia was able to find out how much love she has for her last Thursday in Córdoba.
The 50-year-old was in town to attend when the winners of the Premio Fundacíon Princesa de Girona awards were announced. A few royal fans had gathered in front of the Grande Teatro to take a look at the queen. Very close to the people, Letizia greeted the people, chatted briefly with some until she came to a visibly excited lady. A video from the Spanish newspaper “El País” exclaimed the woman in a loud voice: “I love you very much, your husband and your daughters.” Nice words, which the monarch’s wife acknowledged with a grateful smile. But then the woman added with a dismissive gesture: “The rest can do me!” Laughter erupted from the spectators, while Letizia let out “Wow” in amazement and then wanted to escape the situation as quickly as possible.
The lady’s outburst shouldn’t have come as a surprise, because the Spanish royal family has repeatedly made a name for itself with scandals in recent years. Ex-King Juan Carlos has been in exile in Abu Dhabi since the summer of 2020. This was preceded by investigations in Spain and Switzerland against the former monarch. Juan Carlos is said to have received bribes from the Saudi royal family for arranging a contract worth billions. Then an alleged former lover spoke up, who spoke of gifts of money in the millions. In addition, Juan Carlos wanted to divorce his wife, ex-Queen Sofía, for her. When the 85-year-old left his homeland, he left behind a lot of scorched earth. His son and the reigning king Felipe had canceled an appanage for him.
But Juan Carlos isn’t the only Bourbon under investigation in recent years. In 2018, Iñaki Urdangarin was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison. The then husband of Infanta Cristina and thus the king’s brother-in-law was found guilty of embezzling taxpayers’ money, money laundering, forgery of documents and fraud. In January 2021, the former professional handball player was transferred to the open prison and released on parole in 2022. In the same year, pictures suddenly appeared that showed him and a blonde holding hands. A little later, Urdangarin and the king’s sister announced their separation.
In all these years, the royal couple has strived to present stability and reliability. Letizia knows the power of images and makes sure that she, her husband and two daughters, Crown Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, are put in the right light. scandals? There isn’t. The Spaniards obviously appreciate it.
