In a surprising move within the structure of the Royal Household, Queen Letizia has a new secretary.
The new secretary general of the Royal Household represents a historic milestone, as the person who will hold the post will be a woman.
Letizia’s new right-hand woman becomes the first woman to hold this prestigious position.
For many, this appointment marks an important advance in the female presence in managerial positions in the Spanish monarchy.
Who is Queen Letizia’s new secretary?
The Queen’s Secretary is María Jesús Ocaña, 51, and her appointment puts an end to the long tenure of General José Manuel Zuleta.
Zuleta was in charge of the Queen’s Secretariat for the last 20 years.
María Jesús Ocaña comes to this position after a solid career in the public administration.
She held several positions in the Ministries of Agriculture, Fishing and Education, as well as in SEPI’s Board of Directors.
This change in the leadership of the Royal Household is part of a broader renewal undertaken by King Felipe VI.
The new head of the Queen’s Secretariat, María Jesús Ocaña, becomes the highest-ranking woman among the institution’s senior staff.
Ocaña’s appointment sends an important message of openness and modernization within the Spanish monarchy.
For royal observers, accommodating a greater female presence in senior positions is a clear sign of commitment to gender equality.
This coincides with the growing relevance that Queen Letizia has acquired in recent years, becoming a key figure within the Institution and an advocate of social and equality causes.
With this appointment, the Royal Household takes a step forward in consolidating the presence of women in executive positions.
The arrival of María Jesús Ocaña to the Queen’s Secretariat marks a historic milestone that will undoubtedly set a precedent for future appointments within the monarchy.