Ahead of the Christmas holidays, Queen Letizia once again found herself in the spotlight as she attended a major event dedicated to the Spanish language. This time, the occasion was the anniversary of the Spanish Emergency Language Foundation, where Letizia delivered a speech that unexpectedly took on a personal tone. Known for her love of language, the royal decided to share with the audience one of her small weaknesses related to literacy.
During her speech, Letizia not only highlighted the importance of proper language use but also confessed that she cannot remain indifferent to mistakes in everyday messages. With a smile, she noted that she often spots typos, misplaced commas, unnecessary capital letters, and odd verb forms in messages, especially in popular messengers. According to the queen, such details unintentionally irritate her, and she is sure that many in the audience have similar feelings.
Letizia, who has a background in journalism and a long career in the media, makes no secret of her passion for language. She emphasized that the richness and precision of words are shaped by reading, especially books. The queen admitted that she feels part of a community for whom literacy is not just a skill but a true value. Her words resonated with the guests, many of whom also care deeply about language and culture.
The Spanish language today
At the anniversary event, the Royal Academy also announced its ‘word of the year’—the term ‘aransel.’ This decision reflects current trends and relevant topics that are important to Spanish society. Each year, the Academy selects a word that best captures events in the country and around the world; this time, the choice fell on a term linked to economics and international relations.
As honorary president of the RAE, Queen Letizia actively supports initiatives to promote literacy and the correct use of language. She regularly participates in events dedicated to the development of Spanish culture and never misses an opportunity to emphasize the importance of reading and education for all generations.
The monarch’s personal interests
It is well known that Letizia’s interests go beyond language issues. She is engaged in various areas of culture, including cinema. Recently, the queen visited a Madrid cinema with a friend to watch the film ‘Ciudad sin sueño,’ which tells the story of life in Europe’s largest informal settlement—La Cañada Real. Such visits underscore her commitment to staying informed about pressing social issues and supporting national art.
Letizia’s passion for literature and cinema makes her one of the most prominent figures in the modern Spanish monarchy. Her openness and willingness to share personal experiences resonate with the public, while her attention to linguistic and cultural nuances earns respect even from her sternest critics.
Influence on society
The queen’s candid remarks about her habits and her views on literacy often spark public discussion. Many note that such statements help spark greater interest in language and culture among young people. Through her example, Letizia demonstrates that caring about the purity of language and the ability to express oneself clearly is not just the domain of professionals, but an important part of everyday life for everyone.
In Spain, language issues have traditionally held a special place, and royal support brings even greater attention to the subject. Queen Letizia continues to inspire Spaniards to improve their literacy and deepen their cultural interests, placing particular emphasis on the importance of reading and self-development.
For reference, Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano became Queen of Spain in 2014 when King Felipe VI ascended the throne. Prior to that, she worked as a journalist and television presenter, which explains her unique approach to language and communication. As the monarch’s spouse, Letizia is actively involved in public life, supports educational and cultural projects, and advocates for the preservation and promotion of the Spanish language as a vital element of national identity.
