Queen Letizia of Spain: Biography, Career, and Social Causes

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Queen Letizia -Ministry of the Presidency. Government of Spain (Attribution or Attribution), via Wikimedia Commons

Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano, better known as Queen Letizia of Spain, was born on September 15, 1972, in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. She is the daughter of Jesús Ortiz Álvarez, a journalist, and Paloma Rocasolano Rodríguez, a nurse. Letizia grew up in a middle-class family, where she received a quality education. She went to high school in Madrid and studied journalism at the Complutense University of Madrid.

After graduation, Letizia worked as a journalist for various newspapers, including the Asturian daily “La Nueva España,” the newspaper “ABC,” and the news agency “EFE.” She also worked for “CNN+,” a Spanish television channel. Letizia was a hard-working journalist who covered a variety of topics, including politics, the environment, and international news.

In 2003, Letizia’s life changed when she met the then-Prince Felipe of Spain at a dinner party. They started dating, and their relationship quickly became the talk of the town. In 2004, Prince Felipe announced their engagement, and they got married on May 22 of that same year. Letizia became the Princess of Asturias, and she was expected to play an active role in the Spanish Royal Family.

As a member of the Spanish Royal Family, Letizia’s wealth has increased significantly. According to various sources, her net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. The majority of her wealth comes from her royal duties and her family’s assets. The Spanish Royal Family owns various properties, including palaces, estates, and art collections, which are valued at several million dollars. Additionally, Letizia has access to the Royal Family’s extensive jewelry collection, which includes rare and expensive pieces.

Despite her wealth, Letizia is known for her humble and down-to-earth personality. She is dedicated to her work and is actively involved in various social causes. Letizia is a supporter of several charities and organizations, including the Spanish Association Against Cancer, the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases, and the National Commission for the Fight Against Drug Addiction.

In conclusion, Queen Letizia of Spain is a successful journalist turned royal who has become a symbol of elegance and grace. Her wealth has increased significantly since she became a member of the Spanish Royal Family, but she remains dedicated to her work and social causes.

Casa Rosada (Argentina Presidency of the Nation), CC BY 2.5 AR https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ar/deed.en, via Wikimedia Commons

Timeline

  • 1972: Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano is born on September 15 in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
  • 1995: Letizia graduates from the Complutense University of Madrid with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
  • 1999: Letizia starts working as a journalist for the Asturian daily “La Nueva España.”
  • 2000: Letizia moves to Madrid and starts working for the newspaper “ABC.”
  • 2003: Letizia joins the news agency “EFE” as a senior reporter.
  • 2003: Letizia meets Prince Felipe of Spain at a dinner party.
  • 2004: Prince Felipe and Letizia announce their engagement on November 1.
  • 2004: Prince Felipe and Letizia get married on May 22 at the Almudena Cathedral in Madrid.
  • 2005: Letizia gives birth to their first child, Princess Leonor, on October 31.
  • 2007: Letizia gives birth to their second child, Infanta Sofía, on April 29.
  • 2014: Prince Felipe ascends to the throne and becomes King Felipe VI of Spain after the abdication of his father, King Juan Carlos I.
  • 2014: Letizia becomes the Queen Consort of Spain.
  • 2015: Queen Letizia launches the “Let Girls Learn” program in Spain, which aims to promote education for girls.
  • 2017: Queen Letizia becomes the Honorary President of the Spanish Association Against Cancer.
  • 2018: Queen Letizia is appointed as the Special Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for Nutrition.
  • 2020: Queen Letizia launches the “Together Against Cancer” campaign, which seeks to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
  • 2021: Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI visit the United States for the first time as part of a state visit, meeting with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.

This timeline highlights some of the major events in Queen Letizia’s life, from her career as a journalist to her role as Queen Consort of Spain and her involvement in various social causes.

Quotes:

  1. “I have never ceased to be what I was, a journalist” – Queen Letizia
  2. “Education is a fundamental right and the key to the future of our society” – Queen Letizia
  3. “It’s very important to have a passion for what you do in life” – Queen Letizia
  4. “The monarchy must be an example of ethics, integrity and transparency” – Queen Letizia
  5. “We must always be aware that we are serving the Spanish people” – Queen Letizia

Interesting Facts:

  1. Queen Letizia was the first commoner to become Queen Consort of Spain, breaking a long tradition of royals marrying other royals.
  2. Letizia is fluent in Spanish, French, and English.
  3. Before marrying into the royal family, Letizia was a successful journalist and news anchor.
  4. Letizia has a master’s degree in audiovisual journalism from the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism in Madrid.
  5. As Queen Consort, Letizia has been very active in promoting social causes, particularly those related to education and healthcare.

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