This year, the atmosphere at the royal residence on the outskirts of Madrid feels noticeably different from usual. The past few months have been challenging for the Spanish crown, and family traditions have come under close scrutiny. Queen Letizia decided that the winter holidays should be a time for comfort and togetherness, rather than formal ceremonies. She took charge of organizing the Christmas dinner to create a truly homely atmosphere for her loved ones.
In recent years, family dinners at Zarzuela have taken place in two different parts of the palace. Queen Sofía hosts guests in the main chambers, while King Felipe, Letizia, and their daughters prefer a more private setting in the Pabellón del Príncipe. They are traditionally joined by Letizia’s mother, Paloma Rocasolano, and her partner, British businessman Markus Brandler. This time, Queen Letizia’s sister, Telma Ortiz, may also join them at the table.
Family changes
While Queen Sofía prefers an early dinner with her sister Irene before attending Christmas mass, King Felipe accompanies them to the service. The daughters of King Juan Carlos, Infantas Elena and Cristina, increasingly spend the holidays with their father abroad—in Abu Dhabi or Switzerland. Their children also gather there, but the details of these reunions remain behind closed doors. As a result, the Christmas table at Zarzuela has become a symbol of a divided royal family, where everyone seeks their own corner of comfort.
The dinner menu, despite its royal status, remains traditional: smoked salmon with juniper, jamón, foie gras, eel, fish pudding, and stuffed turkey are served at the table. But the real highlight is not the dishes, but who prepares them. On this evening, the house chefs have the night off, and Letizia herself, together with her mother, takes on all the kitchen responsibilities. For her, it is important that the celebration is not only beautiful but truly a family affair.
Homely comfort
For the queen, having her daughters return home is especially meaningful. Princess Leonor has just started her winter break, and Infanta Sofía has been enjoying her holiday for several days already. The family’s reunion fills the house with joy, and Letizia does her best to make sure these days are remembered for their warmth and care. She turns the Pabellón del Príncipe into a space filled with coziness, even though it serves not only as a home but also as a workplace for the crown’s staff.
Letizia strives to ensure that even in the official residence, the spirit of an ordinary family prevails. She believes that children should grow up in the most natural and humane environment possible, not surrounded by constant reminders of status and protocol. To that end, the queen has introduced new rules affecting not just the holiday arrangements but also daily life at Zarzuela.
New rules
One of the main innovations is the restriction on staff wearing uniforms in the palace’s private areas. Letizia believes that excessive formality interferes with the sense of a cozy home. From now on, staff serving the family outside working hours must wear simple black clothing instead of ceremonial uniforms. This decision has received a mixed response from employees: for many, giving up the traditional uniform symbolizes a loss of status and established order.
Nevertheless, the queen does not intend to back down. For her, it is important that the home is a place where her daughters can feel like ordinary children, not heirs to the throne under constant observation. Letizia believes these changes will help strengthen family bonds and make holidays truly special.
