Spain is home to timeless traditions, and one of them is the family celebration of Christmas with a festive feast. Queen Letizia, despite her royal status and busy schedule, always cherishes this cozy ritual: every year, she and her family visit her father, Jesús Ortiz, to share a holiday meal and enjoy the famous Christmas dessert—roscón de reyes. It’s more than just dinner; it’s a special moment when even monarchs become ordinary people, leaving protocols and official events behind.
This time, after the solemn Pascua Militar at the royal palace, where Letizia dazzled in an elegant outfit and King Felipe and Princess Leonor appeared in military uniform, the family headed to Pozuelo de Alarcón. There, in Jesús Ortiz’s home, the closest relatives gather to spend the evening in a warm atmosphere, far from cameras and flashbulbs.
Family gathering
Not everyone was able to join the festive table this year. The Queen’s mother, Paloma Rocasolano, did not attend, despite maintaining a good relationship with her ex-husband and having recently moved from Murcia to Madrid with her new partner, British businessman Marcus Brandler. Letizia’s sister, Telma Ortiz, attended with her daughters, although she was recently seen with her former partner, lawyer Robert Gavin Bonnar, whom she separated from several months ago.
The royal quartet—Felipe, Letizia, Leonor and Sofía—arrived by car, just like any ordinary family, without any unnecessary pomp. The King was at the wheel, Letizia sat beside him, and their daughters took their seats in the back. Princess Sofía, by the way, did not attend Pascua Militar, but gladly joined the family dinner. Paparazzi barely managed to capture the moment, as the royal family makes every effort to keep their private life away from prying eyes.
Traditions and treats
The highlight of the evening, as always, was roscón de reyes—the traditional Spanish cake, which, according to rumors, Jesús Ortiz orders without cream from a famous Madrid bakery. The family not only shares dessert at the table, but also exchanges gifts, adding warmth to the gathering. In these moments, even the country’s most influential people simply become family, for whom being together is all that matters.
Few details of the dinner are known, as the family prefers not to publicize the specifics of their personal lives. However, it is clear that for Letizia and her loved ones, this evening is more than just a formality—it is an important part of the family story, cherished and handed down year after year.
Looking ahead
After a brief break with their family, the Queen and King are back to their official duties. This week, Letizia will take part in a prestigious journalism award ceremony, while Felipe will lead an important diplomatic conference. Despite their busy schedules, they always make time for their loved ones—a quality even the most skeptical observers respect.
This approach to life is rare among European monarchs. The Spanish royal family shows that tradition and family values can go hand in hand with modernity and public service. This not only strengthens their image, but also brings them closer to the people.
