If you’re semi-familiar with Princess Charlene, Princess Caroline, and the royal princesses of Sweden, chances are that you’ve at least heard of Spain’s Queen Letizia. Perhaps you saw her recent stylish turn in an olive-green cape dress, or perhaps you have a faint recollection that she used to be a journalist. But compared to royal heavy-hitters like Kate Middleton, she is relatively unknown on this side of the Atlantic.
So, what exactly should you know about the Queen of Spain? Queen Letizia was born Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano in Oviedo, Spain in 1972. She was the first child of Jesús José Ortiz Álvarez and María de la Paloma Rocasolano Rodríguez, who went on to have two more daughters together. Her mother worked as a nurse, while her father pursued a career in journalism. Letizia, for her part, went on to follow in her father’s footsteps. She reported for a series of newspapers, before ultimately working in Spanish broadcast television. Notably, she was an anchor for Telediario, a nightly news program in Spain, and covered the 2000 U.S. presidential election.
In 2003, she became engaged to Felipe, Prince of Asturias. The engagement came as a surprise to many, not only because Letizia is one of the few non-royals to become engaged to a royal, but also because she had been previously married. In 1998, Letizia wed teacher Alonso Guerrero Pérez. The marriage ended in divorce the following year.
On May 22, 2004, Letizia and Prince Filipe wed in a Catholic ceremony in Madrid. Letizia wore a long-sleeved gown with gold embroidered details. Upon her marriage, Letizia became Princess of Asturias. In 2005, the couple welcomed their first child together, Princess Leonor. And in 2007, their second daughter, Princess Sofia, was born.
After ten years as Princess of Asturias, Letizia became Queen in 2014. She assumed her new title when her father-in-law, King Juan Carlos, abdicated the throne, and her husband became King Felipe VI of Spain. At the time, there was much speculation as to how Letizia could in fact boost Spain’s fashion industry. And if her style—and that of her family—is any indication, she may indeed be well on her way.
