Felipe VI and Letizia of Spain are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary, representing a modern image of the Spanish monarchy. Their marriage on May 22, 2004, marked a historic moment as Felipe married a commoner, Letizia Ortiz, breaking tradition in the royal family. This move was met with initial contempt from the royal family, as explained by journalist Pilar Eyre.
Ten years after their wedding, King Juan Carlos I abdicated in favor of Felipe due to scandals and controversy surrounding his reign. Felipe and Letizia inherited a monarchy with declining popularity and set out to renew and modernize the institution. They distanced themselves from the scandals of Juan Carlos and worked to show a more transparent and relatable image to the public.
Felipe and Leticia have focused on cultivating a united family image and being close to the citizens, especially through their two daughters. The eldest daughter, Princess Leonor, recently came of age and took an important step towards succession by swearing her fidelity to the Constitution. The future of the monarchy relies heavily on Leonor’s popularity and influence, according to royal experts.
Despite not holding a formal event for their anniversary, the Royal Family released photos of the family to mark the occasion. Felipe and Letizia continue to represent a modern and approachable monarchy in Spain, emphasizing transparency and accountability in their reign. Their efforts to modernize the institution have been well-received, and the future of the monarchy looks promising under their leadership.
