This June 19 marks the tenth anniversary of Felipe VI’s proclamation as the king of Spain, coinciding with a decade of Letizia Ortiz serving as queen.
Throughout her tenure, Queen Letizia has been known for her dedication to gender equality and her involvement in social causes such as disability rights, mental health, and rare diseases.
Before becoming queen, Letizia spent ten years as the Princess of Asturias, the first without a royal lineage.
During this time, she worked alongside Felipe VI to restore the monarchy’s image following the challenges faced in the latter years of King Juan Carlos I’s reign.
Now at 51 years old, Queen Letizia has established herself as a valuable asset to the monarchy. She has played a significant role in the upbringing and education of Leonor de Borbón, the heir to the throne.
Queen Letizia’s Ten-Year Reign
Many regard Queen Letizia as a feminist icon, with her advocacy for women’s rights and social and economic empowerment being central to her official duties and speeches.
Letizia has actively campaigned against domestic violence, earning recognition from the Observatory against Domestic and Gender Violence in 2019.
Additionally, she has taken a stand against sexual exploitation, often wearing clothing made by survivors of human trafficking to highlight the issue.
Since ascending to the throne, Queen Letizia has pushed for greater female representation within the ranks of the Palacio de la Zarzuela and its security services, which have traditionally been male-dominated.
This effort was exemplified on April 30 when María Ocaña, a state attorney, was appointed as the queen’s first female secretary, replacing military officer José Zuleta, who had been her right-hand man for 20 years.
Beyond championing women’s rights, Queen Letizia is also devoted to various social causes, including the fight against rare diseases, cancer, and the promotion of mental health.
In 2016, she reached out to the Confederation of Mental Health Spain, driven by personal experience after her younger sister’s suicide in 2007.
Juan Carrión, president of the Federation of Rare Diseases (Feder), describes the queen as “approachable, attentive, and capable of deeply connecting with individuals within the community.”
Her communication skills have been widely praised, with some of her speeches gaining viral attention, such as when she rapped during a mental health event.
Queen Letizia collaborates closely with King Felipe VI on planning events, trips, and strategies, a contrast to the dynamic between King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia.
Controversies
Felipe VI also helped address what many see as Letizia’s most significant misstep as consort: the public disagreement with Queen Sofia at Palma Cathedral in April 2018.
The situation was smoothed over through several gestures organized by the royal household to honor her mother-in-law in the weeks that followed.
Another notable incident involved her wearing diamond earrings and a Cartier bracelet during a 2015 cooperation trip to Honduras.
Letizia quickly adapted for subsequent trips, opting for a red volunteer vest to better align with the mission’s purpose.
As the queen approaches the tenth anniversary of her reign, she faces physical challenges with her feet.
This issue led to an unusual scene in April when she attended a gala dinner hosted by the Dutch royals while seated, unable to stand for the customary greetings.