Last summer, news of Queen Letizia’s mother moving came as a complete surprise. Paloma Rocasolano, together with her partner Markus Brandler, left Spain’s bustling capital. Their new home was the small town of Los Belones in the province of Murcia, with a population of just over 2,000, located on the shores of the Mar Menor. The move was driven by Brandler’s business interests—he works in the trade of coffee, tea, and spices.
For Paloma, who has long been retired, it was a chance to enjoy solitude and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid. In Murcia, she led a laid-back life, shopping at local stores and visiting the same hairdresser as most of her neighbors. Locals noted that whenever she was recognized on the street, she always politely but firmly steered away from questions, trying to maintain her privacy.
However, from the beginning it was clear this move would only be temporary. Now, after a few months, Paloma and Markus have decided to end their “rural” chapter and return to the big city. They have already settled in Madrid for several weeks, having swapped the businessman’s house on the Mar Menor coast for an apartment belonging to Leonor and Sofia’s grandmother, in the Moratalaz district of the capital.
This modest apartment in a southeastern Madrid neighborhood has its own story. It was here that the former union activist moved after her divorce from Jesús Ortiz. At the time, her daughter Letizia lived with her for a while. Now, Paloma Rocasolano and Markus Brandler are starting a new chapter here. The couple have already been seen smiling and strolling through central Madrid. Cameras caught them as they ran errands near Atocha station and later enjoyed a long walk in Retiro Park, where they took selfies and relaxed on the terrace under the winter sun.
The official reasons for their return to the capital have not been disclosed; the couple has always been discreet. The most logical explanation appears to be that Markus Brandler’s business commitments in Murcia have come to an end. Another significant reason could be Paloma’s wish to be closer to her daughter Telma, who recently split from Robert Gavin Bonnar. She likely wants to support her daughter and help care for her granddaughter Erin.
Paloma Rocasolano, who has always tried to stay out of the spotlight, surprised many in 2022 when she made her first public appearance with her new partner at the Princess of Asturias Awards ceremony. Even then, however, they were extremely cautious, avoiding sitting together to steer clear of drawing the photographers’ attention. Later, the Brit even skipped the event in Oviedo altogether, further confirming his desire for privacy. It was there that Paloma showed off a ring, a gift from Marcus, engraved with “amor che tutto move” (“love that moves all things”)—a quote from Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.
Incidentally, Paloma Rocasolano was born in Madrid in 1952. Professionally, she is a nurse and worked in healthcare for many years. She was also an active union leader. In 1971, she married journalist Jesús Ortiz Álvarez; together, they had three daughters: Letizia (the future Queen of Spain), Telma, and Érika, who sadly passed away in 2007. Paloma and Jesús Ortiz divorced in 1999. Today, she is not only the mother of the Queen but also a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren.
