On the eve of British Princess Anne’s 75th birthday, a magazine ran a bold headline, calling her ‘the best queen we never had.’ This striking cover invites reflection: why is such an expression of admiration virtually impossible in Spain when it comes to Infanta Elena, the eldest daughter of King Juan Carlos?
The answer lies in the profound cultural differences between the two countries in their perception of royalty. In the United Kingdom, the royal family has long been part of pop culture, which allows the press and public to treat its members with a mix of irony and informal adoration. In Spain, however, the attitude toward the Bourbons has historically been more serious, almost dramatic, lacking this sense of ease.
Nevertheless, Princess Anne and Infanta Elena have much in common. Both found themselves in the shadow of their younger brothers who became monarchs, though for different reasons. Anne was born after Charles III, while Elena, according to prevailing tradition, yielded the throne to her younger brother Felipe VI. Both princesses are known for their strong, independent characters and directness, traits they never had to conceal for diplomatic protocol. They have become iconic figures in their own right, embodying the national spirit.
In the United Kingdom, Princess Anne is especially admired for her dedication to hard work, consistently leading the royal family’s rankings for the most official engagements year after year. This strong sense of duty is the driving force behind the provocative cover of the magazine affiliated with The Telegraph newspaper. The authors undoubtedly employ exaggeration to attract attention, considering that British history has seen such outstanding monarchs as Elizabeth II, Queen Victoria, and Elizabeth I.
In Spain, however, the situation with Infanta Elena is quite different. Raised with a sense of duty to the crown, she never truly had the opportunity to fully realize her potential. When her brother, King Felipe VI, ascended the throne in 2014, he decided to reduce the official duties of his sisters, effectively moving Elena out of the spotlight.
Years later, a natural question arises: was this decision a mistake? Did the Spanish monarchy overlook a valuable asset in the person of the Infanta? With her open personality and fondness for traditional Spanish culture—bullfighting, festivals, and flamenco—Elena could have acted as a bridge to segments of society that do not always identify with Queen Letizia’s reserved and businesslike image. Her presence might have eased tensions and criticism from aristocratic circles and strengthened the crown’s connection with the people.
Thus, while the British discuss the hypothetical reign of Princess Anne with ease, in Spain a similar conversation about Infanta Elena touches on more complex issues concerning the monarchy’s past and future, as well as missed opportunities that might have benefited her.
