In the shadow of one of Spain’s most talked-about romances stood a figure whose role remained unnoticed by the general public. This was Petra Mateos, a woman who was not just chief of staff to Economy Minister Miguel Boyer, but also his most trusted confidante during the early days of his relationship with Isabel Preysler. Their affair, which lasted more than a quarter of a century, began under a veil of secrecy—and it was Petra who guarded that secret.
In 1983, as the passion between the minister and the socialite was just beginning to ignite, Mateos became their unwitting accomplice. She skillfully managed Boyer’s packed schedule, carving out windows for clandestine meetings at the homes of mutual friends. Petra was the only one who truly understood how much her boss’s emotional state depended on those rendezvous. Her loyalty and discretion made her an indispensable figure in this complex personal drama that unfolded against the backdrop of the country’s political life.
However, reducing Petra Mateos’ role to merely that of a keeper of other people’s secrets would be a serious mistake. Her own professional biography could easily fill the pages of a novel. She holds a doctorate in Economics and Business with distinction from the prestigious Complutense University of Madrid and the title of Professor of Financial Economics. Her career is truly impressive: she served as Executive Chair of satellite operator Hispasat and was also Non-Executive Chair at Hisdesat. In addition, she sat on the boards of numerous international companies, was a member of the board at the Spanish Institute of Financial Analysts, and served as an advisor to organizations such as ANECA, Banco Ceiss, and Unicaja. Her experience also includes the post of Vice-President of the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She currently continues her work as an independent board member at Técnicas Reunidas.
Decades on, the friendship between Petra and Isabel remains strong. Mateos is still one of the closest and most cherished people in Preysler’s life. The recent presentation of Isabel’s memoirs at Madrid’s Ritz Hotel is proof of that. Petra attended the event, offering her silent yet steadfast support to her friend. This is especially telling given the mixed reactions the book has triggered in high society. While many in Preysler’s circle have spoken out against it or preferred to stay silent, Mateos has remained loyal to their long-standing friendship.
Isabel Preysler’s memoir soared to the top of Amazon’s bestseller charts within moments, sparking a wave of debates and heated discussions. The revelations in its pages touched on many high-profile figures, including Olivia de Bourbon and Sandra Falco, stirring up a wide range of emotions. Amid this public frenzy and gossip, the restrained and unwavering loyalty of Petra Mateos stands out as especially precious, highlighting the depth of a bond that began years ago in the corridors of power and out of the public eye.
