×
GreekEnglish

×
  • Politics
  • Diaspora
  • World
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Cooking
Thursday
12
Nov 2026
weather symbol
Athens 23°C
  • Home
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • World
  • Diaspora
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Mediterranean Cooking
  • Weather
Contact follow Protothema:
Powered by
> World

Letizia Ortiz: The “Cinderella” who became queen of Spain

How the reporter of the state television became queen of the country

Newsroom June 3 09:06

Δείτε περισσότερα άρθρα μας στα αποτελέσματα αναζήτησης

Add Protothema.gr on Google

“Today a younger generation deserves to come to the forefront, (a generation) with energy, ready to deal decisively with the changes and reforms required by the current situation” said Juan Carlos when he announced at Spanish people his decision to abdicate.

What is the new generation that deserves to come to the forefront? But of course, his son, Felipe, and his wife, the charming Letizia who will become the new queen of Spain.

leticia1

However, what seems to concern most the international media, even more than the reasons that led Juan Carlos to abdicate, is Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, which charms everyone with its style, her striking appearance and her low profile.

leticia2

Born in September 1972, granddaughter of a taxi driver and daughter of a journalist and a nurse, Letizia became popular in Spain through her presence on TV.

Furthermore, after studying Journalism at the University of Madrid, she worked in the newspaper La Nueva España and ABC, but her popularity rose when she presented the news on the state television TVE.

She met Felipe in November 2002 when she covered the worst environmental disaster in the history of Spain, after the sinking of Prestige ship.

leticia3
Their marriage took place in May 2004 despite the disagreements of the palace, not only because of … her humble origin, but mainly because Letizia was divorced.

However, Felipe is said to have threatened his parents saying that if he did not marry Letizia, he would say “no” to the throne.

Letizia became the favourite princess of the magazines that captured her for her incomparable style, even though there were some reports commenting her cold and distant attitude.

leticia4

However, Letizia was probably trying to balance between her new life and her old habits such as dressing simply and economically and going for a drink to the bars of Madrid.

She struggled to leave behind such habits and embrace the new ones that required an even lower profile and rules imposed by a strict protocol.

Surprisingly, despite her best efforts people loved her after a tragic family incident.

In February 2007, her sister, Erica, was found dead of pills overdose in her apartment. The death of her younger sister shocked her so much and burst into tears in front of journalists when she was asked to make statements after the memorial service.

>Related articles

Pete Hegseth reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier over laughter and talking

WSJ: Nvidia considers removing Jensen Huang after revelations of two extramarital affairs

Turkey creates tourist trail following in the footsteps of Xenophon’s 10,000 Greek soldiers

“I would like to thank all of those who sympathize with me about the death of my little sister” Letizia said devastated while holding Felipe’s arm.

Those tears showed her human face and therefore, Letizia, according to media, won the sympathy of Spanish people, who saw a common woman who had just the chance to become a new … Cinderella .

leticia5

Ask me anything

Explore related questions

> More World

Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news

See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr

> Latest Stories

Greek government reshuffle: Spanakis moves to Development Ministry, Vartzopoulos returns to Health, Liakos appointed to Interior

November 12, 2026

Greek mayors and ruling party MPs rebel against new building density plans in Athens’ northern suburbs

November 12, 2026

Abeille Marengo enters international waters today as Turkey’s possible response comes under scrutiny

November 12, 2026

A Visitor’s Dream: Athens’ 23 Most Interesting Restaurants

November 12, 2026

Diplomatic manoeuvring in Dublin: Greek PM to raise Turkey-Libya maritime deal, as Ankara keeps a low profile

November 12, 2026

Pete Hegseth reprimanded by guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier over laughter and talking

November 12, 2026

Basketball phones and the surprises they may reveal, mayors up in arms over building rules, and a decisive day for Tsavdaridis

November 12, 2026

Greek tax return declarations 2025: Incomes rose by €9.85billionn, two thirds of self-employed workers earning under €10,000

November 12, 2026
All News

> Greece

In reverence, the emotional deposition in Jerusalem, see photos & video

The Holy Temple of the Resurrection opened after many days due to the war between Israel and Iran

April 10, 2026

In the final stretch for the accreditation of joint master’s degrees: Aiming for their launch in the coming academic year

April 10, 2026

Schedule for Epitaph Procession today (10/4)

April 10, 2026

Perfect weather for Easter excursions, according to Tsatrafyllia’s forecast

April 10, 2026

Easter in Greece: The customs that continue in Greek tradition – From Nafpaktos to Corfu

April 10, 2026
Homepage
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERM OF USE
Powered by Cloudevo
Copyright © 2026 Πρώτο Θέμα