Queen Letizia and her husband Felipe VI of Spain have a lot of responsibility resting on their shoulders.
Their days are spent tending to their duties with astute professionalism and rule-following prestige, but behind that blue-blooded curtain, they are devoted parents to their daughters Leonor, Princess of Asturias, 16, and Infanta Sofia of Spain, 15.
Felipe and Letizia’s union surprised the Spanish public when they announced their engagement on November 1, 2003, especially since Letizia, a TV journalist, already had a profile in her own right.
During her engagement speech, Letizia, who is now Spain’s first commoner queen, validated the public’s surprised reaction and assured that it wasn’t “a quick decision.”
“It’s been based on the great love that we feel for each other,” she said at the time.
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On May 22, 2004, Letizia and Felipe wed in the Cathedral Santa Maria la Real de le Almudena in Madrid, then a year later, they welcomed their first daughter in 2004 and their second in 2007.
Leonor is next in line to become the Queen of Spain, and she is already learning the ropes by taking on public duties.
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It appears her parents take her progression really seriously, and during an interview celebrating her father bestowing her the Order of the Golden Fleece, her mother interrupted her when she was asked by Peinda Sibide, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“What she has to, not what she wants,” replied Letizia.
Felipe also spoke with pride about his daughter and assured her she could rely on her mother and sister for support.
“Your family will always be by your side: especially your mother and also Sofia, who will be with you supporting you; also your grandparents; and of course I, your father, you know that I trust you fully and that I feel enormously proud to have given you this morning the Necklace of the Insigne Order of the Golden Fleece.”
While we are in awe of the family’s impeccable style, let’s look at their most impactful moments in the public eye as a family.
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Felipe and Letizia presented their newborn daughter and heir to the throne, Leonor, outside the Ruber International Hospital in October 2005.
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The first time mum couldn’t contain her pride.
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Letizia holds her daughter Leonor for a photocall during her baptism.
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Love was radiating from Felipe and Letizia as they doted on their first born.
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Three became four when Sofia was born in April 2007! The couple was photographed sharing a gleeful moment in front of the Ruber Clinic in Madrid.
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She was so precious!
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Sofia and her parents were photographed before her baptism.
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Letizia dotes on Leonor during a summer holiday in Palma de Mallorca.
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The girls were adorably dressed in matching outfits for Easter Sunday Mass in 2009.
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They may be royals, but they too get nervous for their eldest child’s first day of school, which also happened to fall on Letizia’s birthday.
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The girls practised their royal waves with encouraging support from their parents.
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The family looked refreshed in more casual clothes than usual to visit La Granja.
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Letizia gazed at Sofia during the Asturias award ceremony, and they both looked exceptionally regal.
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They look straight out of a Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford Gucci era catalogue.
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They shared a rare intimate moment during their visit to the Nautical Club of Palma.
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Sofia and Leonor have grown up so much! And it appears their parents have taught them well.
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Sofia wouldn’t let her injury get in the way of her performing royal duties perfectly.
Future queen Leonor (centre) is already following in her father’s footsteps.
Leonor and Sofia took style inspiration from their mother, as the royal family attended a Workshop For Young People Of The Princess Of Girona Foundation.
The princesses accompanied their parents on a colourful outing in July 2022.
In August 2022, the Spanish king and queen visited the Cartuja of Valldemossa for a laid-back appearance with their teenage daughters.
Royal watchers couldn’t believe how much the princesses already resemble their beautiful mother – especially Crown Princess Leonor (left).
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