In the midst of the Christmas holidays, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia chose to spend an evening away from official engagements and social events. Instead of the usual dinners at restaurants or trips to the cinema, the royal couple opted for an intimate setting at one of Madrid’s most renowned performance venues — Matadero Madrid. Here, they attended the play ‘Filosofía mundana’, which became a kind of cultural experiment and a rare opportunity for them to enjoy time together without undue attention.
Letizia has long been known for her passion for the arts and intellectual pursuits. She enthusiastically visits exhibitions, reads contemporary literature, and never misses the premieres of independent films. Even with a busy schedule, the queen finds time for personal cultural discoveries. However, when it comes to outings with Felipe, the choice usually leans towards more traditional pastimes — dinner with friends or watching popular movies. This time, it was different.
A theatrical experiment
The production chosen by the royals stands out from conventional performances. ‘Filosofía mundana’ is not just a theatrical show, but an invitation to reflect on life, love, and human nature. At the heart of the play are texts by the philosopher Javier Gomá, brought to life on stage by renowned actresses Marta Larralde and Laura Pamplona. The audience is encouraged not only to watch the performance, but also to rethink their own perspectives on the world.
For Letizia, evenings like these are a source of inspiration and a chance to broaden her horizons. She immerses herself in the atmosphere of intellectual discussion and is happy to share her impressions after the performance. Felipe, meanwhile, according to those close to him, prefers more active pastimes: skiing, meeting friends, and sports events. Nevertheless, for his wife, he is willing to make exceptions and embrace new experiences.
Family traditions
This time, the King not only supported Letizia’s choice but showed genuine interest in what was happening on stage. Going to the theater together became a symbol of mutual respect and their desire to spend time together despite having different interests. Such moments bring them closer and allow each to see the other in a new light.
The royal family is looking forward to several days dedicated entirely to their private lives. After a busy official week, Felipe and Letizia have decided not to schedule any new meetings until the end of December. They will spend this time with their family, enjoying a rare chance to be alone together with their daughters—Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, who have come home for the holidays.
Christmas holidays
The royal family’s holiday celebrations take place in a warm and cozy atmosphere. On Christmas Eve, not only Felipe, Letizia, and their daughters gather around the table, but also close relatives. This year, the Queen’s mother, Paloma Rocasolano, and her sister, Telma Ortiz, who have recently moved back to Madrid, joined them. Family traditions remain unchanging: an intimate dinner, exchanging gifts, and long conversations late into the night.
A special place in the Christmas plans is reserved for a visit to Queen Sofía. Every year on January 6, the Day of the Kings, the family gathers at Letizia’s father, Jesús Ortiz, to share the traditional cake and mark the end of the holiday season together. These moments are treasured by all family members and have become a symbol of unity and generational continuity.
The monarchs’ private space
Despite their high status and constant public attention, Felipe and Letizia make an effort to maintain their personal space. They value the rare moments of seclusion when they can simply be a married couple, not heads of state. Shared cultural outings offer them a chance to step away from protocol and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Evenings like those at Matadero Madrid show that there is room for spontaneity, mutual compromise, and genuine closeness even in the royal family. While the couple’s interests may not always align, their desire to support each other and discover new sides of life remains unchanged.
Incidentally, King Felipe VI has been on the Spanish throne since 2014 and is regarded as one of Europe’s most open and modern monarchs. Queen Letizia, a former journalist, is actively involved in supporting cultural and educational initiatives, as well as charity work. Their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, frequently attend official events and are considered the future of the Spanish monarchy.
