In Spain, a remarkable change in the behavior of King Felipe and Queen Letizia has caught the attention of the media.
The royal couple, who are celebrating two decades of marriage and a decade at the head of the monarchy this year, have experienced a turn in their relationship that has not gone unnoticed.
This change has come amidst rumors of divorce, sparked by Jaime del Burgo’s comments.
What has Jaime del Burgo said about Queen Letizia?
Del Burgo, former brother-in-law of Queen Letizia through his marriage to her sister, Telma, and previously a family friend, surprised in November 2023 by claiming on social media that he had an affair with Letizia.
He also accused the mother of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia of trying to leave the King to escape with him to New York and start a new life.
However, he did not present any conclusive evidence beyond screenshots of conversations and a selfie the queen allegedly sent him during their relationship.
Although the royal family did not respond to Del Burgo’s allegations, rumors of a possible royal divorce spread on social media.
The rumors were fueled by details shared on various platforms about the monarchs’ alleged marital crisis.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s divorce
Months after the scandal, the divorce issue is resurfacing due to Letizia and Felipe’s new strategy for dealing with it.
The Spanish press reports that although the King and Queen have not commented on Del Burgo’s allegations, their concern was reflected in their body language at the beginning of the year, when they appeared despondent and even distant from each other, fueling speculation that a divorce was imminent.
However, the Royal Household’s communications team has implemented a new strategy to dispel such rumors.
Specifically, the strategy is to project an image of Felipe and Letizia as more united and in love than ever, according to European media reports.
The tactic to deny any marital crisis has also consisted of frequent appearances outside the Zarzuela Palace.
Through seemingly spontaneous strolls, Felipe and Letizia have managed to get the press to highlight their interaction on “romantic dates,” thus avoiding any suspicion of heartbreak.
Recently, the kings and queens have been seen casually strolling around Madrid, visiting bookstores and attending movie premieres, like any couple in their free time.
King Felipe wears his wedding ring
One particular gesture by King Felipe and Queen Letizia has captured the attention of the press and the public: his unwavering decision to wear his wedding ring at all times.
This act, while subtle, is a powerful reminder of his devotion and loyalty.
Unlike other European royals, Felipe chooses to keep this symbol of his marriage visible, even in situations where circumstances might have forced him to remove it, as in the case of a wrist injury that required a brace.
On the other hand, Queen Letizia has chosen not to wear her wedding ring.
Far from indicating any marital conflict, her decision is due to practical reasons related to her royal duties.
According to Vanity Fair magazine, the frequent greetings and handshakes at her official engagements were uncomfortable and even painful because of the ring.
To avoid injury, the Queen has preferred to dispense with her wedding ring and replace it with simpler jewelry.