After several tense weeks filled with official visits and complex family gatherings, Queen Letizia is returning to a more familiar—and undoubtedly more comfortable—pace. Behind her are the state visit to China and the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the monarchy’s restoration, which brought together the entire Bourbon family. Now, Her Majesty’s agenda promises fewer family protocols and a greater focus on her professional duties, in which she always excels. For the queen, known for her love of the arts, the upcoming events will be a true breath of fresh air.
Cinema as a Sanctuary: A Visit to Navarra
This week, the Queen will travel to Navarra to personally support the Ópera Prima Film Festival in Tudela. This event holds special meaning for her, as it brings together two of her passions: cinema and working with youth. The spotlight will be on honoring renowned director Alejandro Amenábar. As part of the ‘Our Classics’ series, students from local schools will be shown his landmark film ‘The Sea Inside’ (Mar adentro).
The film, based on the true and tragic story of Galician sailor José Luis Sampedro, who was left completely paralyzed after an accident, tackles the complex issue of euthanasia. For three decades, he fought for the right to die with dignity at a time when no related law had yet been passed. Starring Javier Bardem, the film made a huge impact on the cinema world, winning 14 Goya Awards as well as an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.
Alongside the Queen, director Alejandro Amenábar will be honored by producer Fernando Bovaira and actresses Lola Dueñas and Mabel Rivera. The occasion is twofold: 2025 marks 20 years since the release of ‘The Sea Inside’ and 30 years since Amenábar’s debut feature ‘Tesis’. Festival director Luis Alegre noted that this initiative holds special significance for the Queen, reflecting her deep love for classic cinema and her desire to inspire younger generations.
Diplomacy in Madrid: High-Level Meeting
After the cultural program in Tudela, the Queen will return to official protocol events in the capital. The second half of the week will be dedicated to the state visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke Büdenbender. The official welcoming ceremony with military honors is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
The highlight of the visit will be a gala dinner at the Royal Palace. This event always draws public attention, as everyone looks forward to seeing Her Majesty’s elegant look. However, this time there’s an interesting twist: since Germany is a republic, protocol does not allow for the wearing of tiaras. As a result, Queen Letizia will have the opportunity to showcase her modern style, which many believe suits her even more than lavish gowns paired with historic jewels. The visit will conclude with a reception at the German embassy, where the German hosts will welcome the Spanish monarchs—offering yet another chance to admire the queen’s evening attire.
Notably, before joining the royal family, Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano was a respected and well-known journalist and TV presenter. She worked for leading Spanish media, including EFE agency, ABC newspaper, as well as on CNN+ and Televisión Española. Her professional career was flourishing when she met then-Prince of Asturias, Felipe. Their engagement in 2003 caused a sensation, and the 2004 wedding captured worldwide attention. After becoming a princess and then, in 2014, queen consort, Letizia fully dedicated herself to royal duties. She is actively involved in issues of healthcare, education, and culture, with a particular focus on rare diseases and youth support. Her impeccable sense of style has made her one of the most elegant women in the world and a fashion icon. Together with King Felipe VI, she is raising two daughters: the heir to the throne, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía. Her journey from a successful journalist to queen is a unique example in the modern history of European monarchies.
