QUEEN Letizia of Spain is one of the most talked about royals of today thanks to her impeccable style and successful career.
From her iconic regal looks to her life before royalty - here's everything you need to know about the Queen of Spain.
Who is Queen Letizia of Spain?
Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano is the Queen of Spain.
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Prior to taking the prestigious title of Queen, Letizia didn't have any traditional links to royalty, however, she was still known by many in the country thanks to her successful career.
Letizia comes from a middle-class family.
She pursued a bachelor’s degree in journalism at the Complutense University of Madrid, as well as a master’s degree in audiovisual journalism at the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism.
After completing her education, Letizia worked as a TV anchor and reporter covering well-documented news like the Iraq War and 9/11.
She worked for several newspapers including ABC, EFE and CNN+, following in the footsteps of her father who was also a journalist.
Letizia became Queen of Spain on June 19, 2014, when the former king abdicated.
She is the first Spanish queen to have been born as a non-royal.
How old is Queen Letizia of Spain?
Queen Letizia of Spain was born on September 15, 1972.
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She celebrated her 50th birthday in 2022.
Does Queen Letizia of Spain speak English?
The Queen of Spain does speak English.
According to reports, her mother-in-law Queen Sofia of Spain taught her English.
Letizia has regularly been caught on camera speaking the language during important events and engagements.
Is Queen Letizia married?
Queen Letizia is married to the King Of Spain, Felipe VI.
In 2003, the pair revealed their engagement to the world and the news caused quite a stir - as the royal couple had been secretly dating for a year before their surprise announcement.
Felipe is said to have proposed to her with a 16-baguette diamond engagement ring with a white gold trim.
Six months later, on May 22, 2004, the-then Prince Felipe wed his blushing bride in a beautiful wedding ceremony held in Madrid's Almudena Cathedral, making Letizia a Princess, and then when Felipe ascended the throne a decade later, a Queen.
Letizia chose an elegant dress designed by Spanish fashion designer Manuel Pertegaz, that is believed to be worth a whopping £6million.
The stunning creation featured real gold thread embroidery woven into the silk, a four and a half metre-long train, a high collar and long sleeves.
Queen Letizia finished off the spectacular look with a diamond tiara, which was a present given to her by Queen Sofia, who wore it on her own wedding day to King Juan Carlos in 1962.
How did Queen Letizia of Spain meet King Felipe?
King Felipe is the only son of former King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía.
He was born on January 30, 1968, and has two older sisters.
Felipe first met Letizia in 2002 at a mutual friend's dinner party.
According to reports, it has been said that Letizia and Felipe shared an instant connection.
Does Queen Letizia of Spain have children?
Queen Letizia and King Felipe share two daughters - Leonor, Princess of Asturias, born on October 31, 2005, and Infanta Sofía, born on April 29, 2007.
They were both born at Ruber International Hospital in Madrid.
Leonor has been heir presumptive to the Spanish throne since her father became king in 2014.
An heir presumptive is one whose legal right to inherit the throne may be defeated.
In Leonor’s case, she is only the presumptive heir as Spain still gives sons preference over daughters - therefore if her parents were to welcome a son, her younger brother would become the heir apparent to the throne.
Infanta Sofía of Spain is the youngest of Felipe and Letizia's two daughters.
Sofía was named after her paternal grandmother, Queen Sofía of Spain.
Where does Queen Letizia get her clothes?
Queen Letizia has been labelled the world’s most stylish royal.
Whether she opts for sleek pantsuit or a royally approved gown, Letizia knows how to style almost anything. Therefore it comes as no surprise that she has the world’s luxury designers on speed dial - with Hugo Boss being a preferred brand.
However, Queen Letizia is not afraid to hit the high-street, having been seen in items from Mango and Zara.
Her looks are admired by many, with some even turning to a blog dedicated to her wardrobe choices to catch a glimpse of her latest outfits and best looks.
Have Queen Letizia and King Charles met before?
Queen Letizia has met King Charles on a number of occasions.
First when he was the Prince of Wales, and again to celebrate the monarch's coronation.
Prior to the historic event, Queen Letizia joined more than 100 oversea royals and world leaders at Buckingham Palace to mark the three-day celebrations.
She then attended the coronation itself on May 6, 2023, sporting an elegant pink dress designed by Carolina Herrera and pink heels to match.
Also by her side was her husband, King Felipe VI - who is a distant relative of the British monarch.
Therefore it comes as no surprise that the royals continue to maintain a close relationship.
