Letizia, Queen of Spain

She has been a controversial figure since her marriage ten years ago but now she stands on the threshold of queenship.  Letizia Ortiz Rocosolano will become consort of Spain on the succession of her husband, Felipe, in the coming weeks but the question now is whether she can win over those who still question how comfortable she is in her royal role.

Letizia, Princess of Asturias and soon to be Queen of Spain

For Letizia has never had the total confidence of royal watchers.  In recent times, several commentators in Spanish newspapers have questioned whether the princess is really happy in her royal role but that debate is now gone.  Letizia will soon be Queen of Spain and her new job begins.

Into the future for the future king and queen of Spain

Letizia Ortiz Rocosolano was born in Oveido, Asturias on September 15th 1972.  She is the eldest child of journalist Jose Ortiz and nurse Paloma Rocosolano and went to university in Madrid and began a career in journalism that would eventually see her report on major events for TVE before becoming one of its main news presenters.  Her engagement to Felipe, Prince of Asturias was announced on October 31st 2003 and the couple married at the Almudena Cathedral on May 22nd 2004.  

Felipe and Letizia on their wedding day, May 2nd 2004

Her royal career hasn't been quite so smooth sailing.  Her marriage to the prince was widely celebrated as were the births of their daughters, Leonor and Sofia, in 2005 and 2007.  But in recent years the princess has proved a divisive figure with some loving her modern style and attitude and others criticising her sometimes sparse public agenda.  There is little doubt that now she is about to be queen, Letizia will take on a much more high profile public role with dozens of engagements a month.  But it there is also little doubt that she will have to work hard to win over some of her critics.  From journalist to princess was one journey for Letizia but her new path takes her to the throne as Queen of Spain.