Members of the Ortiz family have always been known for their ability to stay out of the spotlight, protecting the peace of the Crown from excessive attention. This unwritten code of discretion has become their hallmark. Queen Letizia’s closest relatives, especially her mother Paloma Rocasolano and her sister Telma Ortiz, have never once broken these established rules over the years. They skillfully balance being present in the lives of Princesses Leonor and Sofia with the need to remain invisible to the general public. Seventy-three-year-old Paloma Rocasolano has found her seclusion in Murcia, where she lives with entrepreneur Markus Brandler. Now, with Princess Leonor undergoing military training in San Javier, family gatherings at their home are likely to become more frequent.
For Telma Ortiz, who recently turned 51, it has always been more difficult to avoid journalists’ cameras. Any event in her personal or professional life was immediately brought to public attention. However, recent years marked by stability have allowed her to step out of the limelight. Her recent appearance at the opening of the Centroamérica Cuenta festival in Madrid, however, drew renewed interest. Accompanied by Instituto Cervantes director Luis García Montero, she appeared elegant in a linen suit by Mango—an outfit that could easily be found in her royal sister’s wardrobe. This event has prompted new reports about significant changes in her lifestyle.
It has come to light that Telma recently changed both her workplace and her address. These significant adjustments in her life were made quietly, as her private life is carefully shielded from the public eye. Since 2018, she has been in a relationship with Irish lawyer Robert Gavin Bonnar. Together with their two daughters, they lived until recently in the prestigious Soto de la Moraleja district of Madrid. Apparently, the new residence is located not far from the previous one, as Telma did not want her daughters to have to change schools. Similar reasoning can be seen in her professional choices.
Her new position is closely related to the work she has been doing since 2024. At that time, she headed the globalization and multilateral relations division at the business council ‘Alianza por Iberoamérica’ (CEAPI), led by her friend Nuria Vilanova. Now, Telma Ortiz continues her work connected to the Latin American region, but in the capacity of Senior Advisor at CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. Her responsibilities focus on attracting resources and global alliances to support countries in the region and improve the quality of life for their populations. One way or another, her professional path still lies in the field of philanthropy.
It is worth noting that Thelma Ortiz is a highly qualified specialist in international relations and strategic development. She is an economist by education, studied at Harvard and Stanford, and speaks six languages. She has often been seen at business meetings and conferences with figures such as Queen Rania of Jordan and former heads of state, for example, Felipe González. Every public appearance she makes gives journalists a reason to ask questions about Queen Letizia and her daughters. Usually, Thelma remains silent, but this time she made a brief remark about her nieces, Leonor and Sofia. With a sincere smile, she admitted she is ‘very proud’ of both of them.
