Your Opinions About Felipe and Letizia

[donnaK]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

I have to admit that I am one of those who think that Letizia is what I once called a missed chance and I don’t want to repeat my previous posts. She has done more or less three events on her own in three years and I am not so confident that there will be a massive change in the next three years. I find it sad for her but I also see the danger that just in case Felipe will be King much faster than he hopes he will be, Letizia will be Queen. She has once spoken of the “priceless example of the Queen” and one day she will have to fill these shoes. We all hope there are many more years to come for JC but who knows? In the past three years, Letizia hasn’t even started to get a profile of her own - although it seems it’s not up to her - but the later she starts the harder it will be for her to follow in Queen Sofia’s footsteps. I know it’s not fair to compare, all I say is she should start rather today than tomorrow because of what will be some day. At the moment, people see her only as a consort behind her husband and she will have to be so much more in the future.

If Letizia really wants to follow the 'princeless example of the Queen', she should buy herself a few Valentino gowns first like Sofia always did (just kidding).
When Sofia came to Spain, Spain had no monarchy, herself didn't speak Spanish, she really didn't have much a role until she became Queen in 1976. You seemed to compare Letizia to today's Sofia after 40 years of her marriage to Juan Carlos, which is not a fair comparison. Everyone has a learning process, even Sofia's public image has changed much over the years too. She used to be aloof and very Germanic. On the other hand, I never really like Letizia's statement of following 'priceless example of the Queen'. I'm sure Letizia can learn a lot from the Queen (a great Queen indeed), but she and Sofia have completely different background, different strength, possible different personalities too, she will never be Queen Sofia in some people's eyes no matter how hard she tries. Letizia should play up to her own strength. She is Spanish, a former career woman and a broadcaster, good connection with various sectors of the Spanish society, speaks perfect Spanish. Last year's visits to the working districts of Madrid suburban was a good start. Hopefully Zarzuela would allow her to accept the offer of being the patron of the journalist association, more connection with the university students (last year Zarzuela also rejected the invitation for Letizia to attend a university graduation).
After saying all these, I think Letizia doesn't have as much flexibility as the other Crown Princesses in Europe, who receive money directly from the State or at least their husbands do. In Spain, the King controls the purse strings. For Felipe's sake, she probably just followed the arrangement from Zarzuela, otherwise the family would be in chaoic state .

[donnaK]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

and there must be more creative people around Spain than Varela whose boring designs she has been showing off in the last three years.

Definitely. Varela is not even among the very top designers in Spain. He simply has no idea on how to dress a royal.

[ysbel]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

Regarding the press issue, of course you are right, but I see it more relaxed. Serious press is important, I agree, but the yellow press should not be ignored, especially in Spain. Zarzuela seems to have quite an influence on the serious press and if we only listen to them there is the danger of reading only what they want us to read. Besides, yellow press is fun. I always get a good laugh and there you can read – apart from the lies - about the stuff that is true but not interesting enough for the serious press. So I guess a good balance is a very important

I think the problem is that some people only pay attention to the yellow press and a diet of only the yellow press can leave people more misled than if they only read what was in the press releases.

I don't see the yellow press as fun. A lot of what's written in the yellow press is incredibly bitchy, mean-spirited, and cruel. I don't need to read all is sweetness and light but it gives me no pleasure and edification to read a total unrestrained bitchfest either.

While it would be nice not to have agendas, it is not humanly possible and I trust more the agendas that try to build something up as with the press offices who are trying to strengthen the royal family rather than the agendas that try to tear something down as with the agendas of the yellow press.

Its harder to build something up and maintain it than it is to tear it down so if someone makes that endeavour, I respect them more than someone who can only tear things down.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by donnaK

When Sofia came to Spain, Spain had no monarchy, herself didn't speak Spanish, she really didn't have much a role until she became Queen in 1976. You seemed to compare Letizia to today's Sofia after 40 years of her marriage to Juan Carlos, which is not a fair comparison. Everyone has a learning process, even Sofia's public image has changed much over the years too. She used to be aloof and very Germanic. On the other hand, I never really like Letizia's statement of following 'priceless example of the Queen'. I'm sure Letizia can learn a lot from the Queen (a great Queen indeed), but she and Sofia have completely different background, different strength, possible different personalities too, she will never be Queen Sofia in some people's eyes no matter how hard she tries. Letizia should play up to her own strength. She is Spanish, a former career woman and a broadcaster, good connection with various sectors of the Spanish society, speaks perfect Spanish. Last year's visits to the working districts of Madrid suburban was a good start. Hopefully Zarzuela would allow her to accept the offer of being the patron of the journalist association, more connection with the university students (last year Zarzuela also rejected the invitation for Letizia to attend a university graduation).

I remember Sofia's image as a bit distant and cold but that has defititely changed. I think she's one of the most warm and open Queens around, especially when she's with her grandchildren. It's true, from this perspective Sofia had an easier way than Letizia (although I am sure those times were not easy for her at all) because there was no role model that everyone was already looking up to. She had more freedom to define her role and if you look back she has done very well. That makes it very difficult for Letizia and I totally agree on what you say. I did not want to compare them but stress that Letizia needs to work on her own profile and I hope Zarzuela will allow her to do so (you mentioned some nice examples that would be perfect opportunities) rather sooner than later

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by donnaK

In Spain, the King controls the purse strings. For Felipe's sake, she probably just followed the arrangement from Zarzuela, otherwise the family would be in chaoic state .

Well, in this case Letizia should have a word with Felipe and point at the way Elena and Jaime are handling their budget - there seems to be enough money for nice clothes.

When I think of the white pants Felipe was wearing at Fauna Park two things come to my mind - either the budget is REALLY tight and therefore Felipe is still wearing his stuff from the 80ies or he's VERY cost concious - fine but in this case he could at least ask Jaime how to arrange good discounts at LVMH

[Larzen]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

When I think of the white pants Felipe was wearing at Fauna Park two things come to my mind - either the budget is REALLY tight and therefore Felipe is still wearing his stuff from the 80ies or he's VERY cost concious - fine but in this case he could at least ask Jaime how to arrange good discounts at LVMH

I doubt he`ll fit in his pants from the 80s the man has excellent suits and looks good in uniforms and sailing gear but his taste in casual or "relaxed" is just terrible.

[chuchu]

I am not a Spaniard and speaking from a foreigner's point of view, I have a very good opinion of Felipe and Letizia. My opinion, however is not based on the clothes they wear but the way they represent Spain. I also like the fact that Letizia acts as a consort to Felipe and does not try to overshadow him. Sofia was born into royalty and was probably trained from birth to be a queen so she has all the tools necessary to be a good queen. Considering that Letizia was a commoner, she is doing an exceptional job as a princess.

[biboquinhas]

Originally Posted by chuchu

I also like the fact that Letizia acts as a consort to Felipe and does not try to overshadow him.

Well I think that's her job, to be behind her husband and IMO Zarzuela really wants that she acts is way! Felipe is the one that matters she has to came next!

[WindsorIII]

Originally Posted by chuchu

I am not a Spaniard and speaking from a foreigner's point of view, I have a very good opinion of Felipe and Letizia. My opinion, however is not based on the clothes they wear but the way they represent Spain. I also like the fact that Letizia acts as a consort to Felipe and does not try to overshadow him. Sofia was born into royalty and was probably trained from birth to be a queen so she has all the tools necessary to be a good queen. Considering that Letizia was a commoner, she is doing an exceptional job as a princess.

Very true chuchu, I believe Letizia is doing a very good job. I knew from the start that her professional career in the media would be helpful to her. She always handles herself exceptionally with the media and in public situations. She always behaves gracefully and dresses appropriately. Beyond that, she and Philippe make a good team. She is not an attention seeker, she keeps her place and is happy to be in the background of her husband. They come across as a happy couple and a happy family. Its refreshing to see.

[adelaide]

I don't think that the concept of "Consort" is clearly definite in Spain to precise the rolr of the wife of the Prince of Asturias who himself dosen't have functions elaborated in the Constitution. For the Princess of Asturias is a true empiric way of work which is decided by the Royal House according the necessities of the situation politic, economic, social and cultural.

As a long time the Queen, who has had a lot of time to learn her role first as a Princess of Spain, then as the Queen, and the Infantas, who both because her brother is married late are sharing their taskes, the most great part for the Queen, and the residual ones for the Infantas according their own familial agenda.

It's absolutly obvious, because Spain is a very special country, that to exercice as a Consort of a Prince who dosen't has special attribution means that she has to do the same things before to have her own field of activities.

Plus, since his wedding the Prince of Asturias has seen his works to increase a lot ( from about 90 acts/year to about 280 act/year ) work that he is sharing with the Princess.... when she is not pregnant and breasfeeding for the necessity of the Crown....( Don't forget that before of all, during the first years of her wedding the Princess has to be an uterus before to be a brain....) In this case, I'm totally convinced that the Princess of Asturias is going on to help her husband in his work even during the time she is pregnant because she has, as anchorwoman, a work method, and all other way to think, analyse the news and so on. I'm not sure that for the moment she is looking to have her own agenda which will be very reduced regarding the field in which her husband has to show his personality.
To be at the head of a lot of care organisations is honorific before to be useful, to preside a lot of health comities dosen't give any possibility to manage this health comities. If I should be inthe Letizia's situation, I should to be beside my husband and help him to reinforce his notoriety rather than looking to be president of the association of whatever.

[oskana]

I think Letizia is doing a mediocre job for now, I am optimistic however that in the future she will do a great job in her role. As many have already mentioned, I think because the spanish monarchy is special in its ways, that restricts Letizia from being more independent. So time will tell for me and I think she will deliver up to the challenge.

[adelaide]

Originally Posted by oskana

I think Letizia is doing a mediocre job for now, I am optimistic however that in the future she will do a great job in her role. As many have already mentioned, I think because the spanish monarchy is special in its ways, that restricts Letizia from being more independent. So time will tell for me and I think she will deliver up to the challenge.

All the thaughts have to be arguemented, why do yo think it's a mediocre job. It will interesting to know your thaught for understand the word "mediocre".

[Larzen]

Originally Posted by adelaide

Plus, since his wedding the Prince of Asturias has seen his works to increase a lot ( from about 90 acts/year to about 280 act/year ) work that he is sharing with the Princess....

Its a pitty the old website is not up and about any more, Im pretty sure he had more than 90 acts in 2002 and 2003, that would be about 2 a week (when you dont count the vacations) and he deffenetly was around more than that, of course it depends on what you qualify as an "act", when you call it an act everytime you meet some people for 15 minutes its gonna be many of course, likewise if you call a several day visit to another country 1 act or 25.

[Duke of Marmalade]

If "mediocre" means dull or second class or non intellectual I think it's a bit harsh. IMO Letizia's work is very valuable for Felipe and she's a perfect support for him. But the problem is that for the public she comes across as Felipe's accessory who smiles and takes the flowers while he does the "important" things as speeches or delivery of the prizes. This will only change when Zarzuela allows her to work on her own profile - hopefully one day she will be able to show what she is capable of.

[Little_star]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

If "mediocre" means dull or second class or non intellectual I think it's a bit harsh. IMO Letizia's work is very valuable for Felipe and she's a perfect support for him. But the problem is that for the public she comes across as Felipe's accessory who smiles and takes the flowers while he does the "important" things as speeches or delivery of the prizes. This will only change when Zarzuela allows her to work on her own profile - hopefully one day she will be able to show what she is capable of.

I think alot of it comes down to an individual's perspective, some people "see" what they want to. Meeting people, speaking with officials, actively participating and showing an interest are no less important than delivering a speech, imo.

[Vanesa]

I agree Little Star. If you are in a possition like Princess of Asturias and her husband are, you must be,at least bright. A person who will be the next Queen of Spain must have read a lot and have a lot of intelligence , without mentioning Prince felipe who will be the King!

There is people who seems to think that anyone may do whatever they wants. Anyone could reach any place in this world. And the sad news are no; that's not true. You may not be a Monarchist (am I one, but I'm surprised seeing how much Republicans and really anti-nobility people is lurking here...a site devoted to Royals ) and not believe in the importance of social classes in society, but you cannot deny is the importance of intelligence and instruction in public characters. How would they speak about different issues if the doesn't study them? If they are not cultivated, they could believe that the world is only what TV and papers shows, and ignore more deep and complicate realities of their country and the world.

A King and a Queen that are only able to wave and smile weakly and to make sport? A Monarch couple who lives like a couple of good bourgeois, who bornes themselves to know what me and you and our neighbors could know about social and cultural issues? Hmmm...I'm not a Republican, but I risk to become one if Royals begans to be as some young ones from nowadays. The trouble is...that nowadays presidents are a little like Royals too. All rulers are "the avergae guy from the next door", and seems to be hypnotized. They do what they are told they must do. And yes...they're desperately boring.

And, oh...I was forgotting...I don't like dull persons, and I suppose that peoples of the world doesn't ,either. I like good royals and I shouldn't utter a world if Royals from nowadays were more conscious of their role in their society...But I think that ,for being dull, speaking once in weeks, going to some inaugurations, reading some speech written by other people than them, practicing some sports, not liking to cultivate themselves and living like any of us, but in a much more luxurious way, peoples of the world are paying to much for these kind of people...If any of us could be King or Queen in this upside down world...what are we waiting for?

Vanesa.

[oskana]

Originally Posted by adelaide

All the thaughts have to be arguemented, why do yo think it's a mediocre job. It will interesting to know your thaught for understand the word "mediocre".

I meant mediocre in the sense that she doesnt have her own profile yet, I would like her to be much more independent but I understand that she has restrictions because of the way spain's monarchy operates. I realize it will come in the future.

[oskana]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

If "mediocre" means dull or second class or non intellectual I think it's a bit harsh. IMO Letizia's work is very valuable for Felipe and she's a perfect support for him. But the problem is that for the public she comes across as Felipe's accessory who smiles and takes the flowers while he does the "important" things as speeches or delivery of the prizes. This will only change when Zarzuela allows her to work on her own profile - hopefully one day she will be able to show what she is capable of.

No, not dull or second class nor non intellectual, by mediocre I meant she is not as independent as she could be considering her strong modern day professional-career woman persona. Yes I agree this will only change when Zarzuela allows her to work on her own profile.

[Duke of Marmalade]

Originally Posted by oskana

No, not dull or second class nor non intellectual, by mediocre I meant she is not as independent as she could be considering her strong modern day professional-career woman persona. Yes I agree this will only change when Zarzuela allows her to work on her own profile.

This is what I thought you meant and I agree. What worries me a bit is that on the few occasions we saw Letizia speak or do things on her own she did not seem confident or comfortable at all. When I watched her speak during her two official speeches I would not have thought of her being a successful anchorwoman in the past. I thought she was very nervous with her voice shaking a bit - not impressive at all. Surprisingly, as speaking in front of big audiences on TV or in public and a confident appearance used to be two of her strongest assets. When I saw her speak during the presentation of Infanta Sofia I was a bit annoyed when she could not really finish one sentence without looking up to Felipe as if she needed be reassure herself that she said the right thing.

I think Zarzuela's decision to take her out of the limelight for whatever reasons has affected her confidence and these days she seems to be afraid to make use of her strengths even on appropriate occasions. Her submissive behaviour is quite contrary to her appearances before or shortly after marriage. Looks like she worked hard on fitting into a role that might not suit her real character for the sake of a country and the man she loves.

[carlota]

Originally Posted by Duke of Marmalade

This is what I thought you meant and I agree. What worries me a bit is that on the few occasions we saw Letizia speak or do things on her own she did not seem confident or comfortable at all. When I watched her speak during her two official speeches I would not have thought of her being a successful anchorwoman in the past. I thought she was very nervous with her voice shaking a bit - not impressive at all. Surprisingly, as speaking in front of big audiences on TV or in public and a confident appearance used to be two of her strongest assets. When I saw her speak during the presentation of Infanta Sofia I was a bit annoyed when she could not really finish one sentence without looking up to Felipe as if she needed be reassure herself that she said the right thing.

I think Zarzuela's decision to take her out of the limelight for whatever reasons has affected her confidence and these days she seems to be afraid to make use of her strengths even on appropriate occasions. Her submissive behaviour is quite contrary to her appearances before or shortly after marriage. Looks like she worked hard on fitting into a role that might not suit her real character for the sake of a country and the man she loves.

i totally agree with your opinion, duke of marmalade. i also noticed letizia during her first speech, but didn't mind too much because it must still be daunting to speak to such a number of people, especially when it's so long after her wedding and such an important thing as her first speech. she probably knew as a former anchorwoman that the press would be commenting on everything she said. what worried me the most was during the presentation of sofia and her need to look at felipe or sometimes even repeat what felipe said when asked about the baptism or the godparents. she looked way more nervous and insecure than with leonor, in my opinion... and i always thought it should have been the other way round.

i guess it's all because every time she answered the questions of the press, those answers were commented and judged too much, and now she is perhaps insecure about what she says...