When Prince Felipe made his relationship with Letizia official, many pointed out that she was a divorced woman.
However, few details about her first marriage have come to light because the Spanish Royal House has tried to keep it quiet and act like it never happened.
But it did, and here’s everything known about that day.
Letizia Ortiz and Alonso Guerrero
Letizia Ortiz fell deeply in love with Alonso Guerrero, her Language and Literature teacher at the Ramiro de Maeztu Institute in Madrid.
He was ten years older than her. When they met, she was 17 and he was 27.
During their relationship, there were times when they were apart, especially when Letizia was in Mexico after finishing her journalism studies at the Complutense University of Madrid.
Despite the distance, their relationship grew stronger, and they decided to marry soon after she returned to Spain and after nearly ten years together
What was Queen Letizia’s first wedding like?
Their civil ceremony took place on August 7, 1998, when Letizia was 26 years old.
The couple chose a simple ceremony with few frills, held in Almendralejo, the hometown of the groom.
The ceremony was in the Town Hall’s council chamber and officiated by the then-mayor, Manuel Jesús Morán, a lifelong friend of the groom.
Fewer than a hundred guests attended the wedding, as the couple invited only close family and friends.
Almendralejo celebrated the popular couple, who were often seen strolling through its streets. The groom was well-known in his hometown.
Letizia wore a dress by Victorio & Lucchino. She took care of important details herself, such as choosing her bouquet from a local florist. For her hairstyle, she chose a braid done at a local salon.
After the ceremony, Letizia and her husband enjoyed a banquet at the restaurant ‘El Paraíso’, known for its Extremaduran cuisine.
They then spent their wedding night at the Hotel Espronceda. No photos of the wedding have been made public.
Although everything seemed perfect, the marriage lasted barely a year. It coincided with the separation of Letizia’s parents, Javier Ortiz and Paloma Rocasolano, which reportedly caused her great distress.
By then, Letizia was already working as a journalist, which eventually led her to meet her current husband.
Many have wondered if Letizia and Alonso have maintained contact.
When Alonso published a book rumored to reveal secrets about Letizia, he denied it in interviews, stating they had a cordial relationship and he had even dined at Zarzuela with friends on occasion.
Letizia, a lover of literature, likely still has some of Alonso’s books.
Anniversary of Felipe and Letizia’s Wedding
On May 22, it will be 20 years since Felipe and Letizia’s famous wedding.
The ceremony at the Almudena Cathedral hosted over 1200 guests, including members of all major royal families worldwide.
Since 2004, Letizia has become known internationally for her elegance and style, becoming a global fashion icon.
There were memorable moments, such as Letizia, then Princess of Asturias, being sick with a cold and fever.
Despite nerves and excitement, the country was eager to see the future King and Queen of Spain marry.
The couple now has two daughters. The heir, Leonor, is currently undergoing military training as a representative of the Spanish Crown, while Sofia is studying for her International Baccalaureate in Wales, following her sister’s footsteps.