Queen Letizia
Serious and tense! That’s behind her appearance at Leonor’s swearing-in
Princess Leonor and Queen Letizia
© Dana Press
On October 31, 2023, all eyes should be on Princess Leonor. The 18th birthday of Spain’s heir to the throne continues to make headlines days later. Queen Letizia in particular has to take a lot of criticism for her serious facial expressions.
Not only the Spanish royal family, but also their entire country and royal fans worldwide have been looking forward to this day for a long time: Princess Leonor celebrated her 18th birthday on October 31, 2023. The program included her vow of loyalty to the constitution, a grand reception, a celebratory lunch in the royal palace and a party in the evening. A festive day that almost everyone involved mastered with a smile on their faces – except for Queen Letizia, 51. The Spanish website “Lecturas” describes her appearance as “serious, dejected and barely showing her euphoria.”
Queen Letizia: Criticism for appearance on Leonor’s Day – and an explanation
In fact, it was King Felipe, 55, who drew attention to himself on his eldest daughter’s birthday with his broad grin and proud facial expressions. Queen Letizia, on the other hand, always seemed serious and almost tight-lipped. Even a loving hug from her daughter after the oath of loyalty couldn’t elicit the smile from the 51-year-old that many royal fans would have been looking forward to. TV presenter Susanna Griso commented on the Queen’s appearance on the program “Espejo Público” with the words: “She had a long and serious face at the swearing-in.” And then speculated whether the outfit of the President of the House of Representatives, Francina Armengol, could have contributed to the bad mood: Like Queen Letizia, the politician chose a blue dress.
Even after the swearing in of Princess Leonor Queen Letizia only managed a rather forced smile.
© Dana Press
However, the unspoken partner look may not have been the reason why the monarch seemed in such a bad mood. Journalists from the program “TardeAR” want to know the background to the stiff behavior. Moderator Ana Rosa Quintana is quoted by “Tedka”: “I was told that she had had a bad night and was sick.” A theory with which royal expert Marina Pina from the daily newspaper “El Mundo” agrees. She is convinced: “[Königin Letizia] had a bad night. The nerves of someone who has a daughter who will be exposed to this kind of stress must have taken their toll.” Pina is convinced that the 51-year-old was still “very proud” of Leonor.
Sources used: lecturas.com, dana-news.dk, El Mundo