Today, on her 53rd birthday, Queen Letizia is unlikely to hold lavish celebrations. A state visit to Egypt is approaching, and her close ones—daughters Leonor and Sofía, and her mother—are far away. However, this quiet family day only highlights the contrast with the past twelve months, which have been rich in events both historic and personal. During this period, the archives of the royal household and leading news agencies have captured moments that will remain memorable and best characterize this stage in the life of the Spanish monarch.
One of the most touching moments undoubtedly took place in January this year at the port of Cádiz. All of Spain watched as a mother bid farewell to her daughter when Princess Leonor boarded the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano. She was about to embark on a five-month voyage. The scene was filled with genuine emotion. The Queen did not hide her tears as she searched the ranks of cadets for one last glimpse of her ‘girl,’ as she herself called her in a conversation with journalists. King Felipe, dressed in the ceremonial uniform of the fleet’s commander-in-chief, tried to support his wife, but a mother’s heart was overwhelmed with feelings that anyone can understand.
The past year also showcased the queen’s impeccable sense of style and diplomatic finesse on the international stage. In May, at the inauguration ceremony for the new Pope Leo XIV, Letizia made use of the ‘privilège du blanc’—the privilege for Catholic queens to appear before the pontiff dressed in white. Her Redondo Brand outfit, paired with a mantilla from the Sevillian house Lina, became a model of elegance. And in December 2024, during her visit to Italy at the Quirinal Palace, photographers captured her lively, human reaction—a gesture of impatience that instantly made her more relatable and understandable to the public.
Equally significant were events related to the arts and academic life. In November last year, the Bank of Spain unveiled a long-awaited royal portrait by the renowned Annie Leibovitz. For the occasion, Letizia chose a vintage Balenciaga dress that once belonged to Maria Junyent, creating a symbolic link between generations. And in February 2025, as the University of Alcalá conferred an honorary doctorate on King Felipe, everyone was charmed by the way Letizia looked at her husband. That image—full of admiration and love—quickly went viral on social media, revealing a deeply personal side to the royal relationship.
Each of these episodes—from maternal tears to fashion triumphs and viral photographs—forms a multifaceted portrait of the modern queen. She is not only fulfilling her official duties, but also living life to the fullest, remaining a style icon, loving mother, and a pillar of support for her husband and the nation.
