On May 22, 2004, amidst a downpour, the center of Madrid was decked out and heavily guarded as the future King and Queen of Spain, Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz, were married in a ceremony watched by millions of Spaniards on live television. Twenty years later, as their wedding anniversary approaches, the Royal House has released unseen photos of the King and Queen with their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia. The photos show the close bond between the sisters and the Queen’s sporty footwear due to a foot injury from an accident. The Royal Family has been through ups and downs, including scandals involving other members of the royal family and debates on the future of the Monarchy.
The King and Queen have faced challenges over the years, from the birth of their daughters to the abdication of King Juan Carlos I in 2014. The Monarchy has been rocked by scandals, such as the Nóos case that led to the conviction of the Queen’s brother-in-law, Iñaki Urdangarin, and the subsequent financial scandals involving the former King. Despite these challenges, the King and Queen have worked to maintain the credibility of the institution, with the King renouncing his inheritance from his father and distancing himself from the former King’s actions.
The Royal Family has faced personal tragedies as well, such as the untimely death of the Queen’s sister, Erika Ortiz, and the separation of the Queen’s sister and her husband. Despite these hardships, the King and Queen have remained united and focused on their duties. They have worked to modernize the institution and build public trust in the Monarchy, with the King’s popularity increasing after his proclamation in 2014.
In recent years, the Royal Family has taken steps to streamline and modernize the institution, reducing the number of family members involved in official activities and increasing transparency. The King and Queen have focused on their duties and their daughters’ education, working towards a future that centers around Princess Leonor, the heir to the throne. As they mark twenty years of marriage, the King and Queen look towards a more stable future, away from the controversies that have plagued the Monarchy.
Despite the challenges and scandals that have touched the Royal Family, they continue to fulfill their duties and work towards a positive future for the Monarchy. With a focus on their daughters’ education and the modernization of the institution, the King and Queen aim to build public trust and credibility. As they celebrate their anniversary, they reflect on their journey together and look towards the future with hope and determination. The King and Queen’s commitment to their roles and their dedication to the Monarchy shape their legacy and the future of the Spanish Royal Family.
