The affection between JC and son and Sofia and son doesn't seem fake to me. Same with JC and the girls. But it is striking to see no interaction between JC and Letizia or even Sofia and Letizia. None. No hugs, no eye to eye contact. It's very sad. Or maybe your way of putting it is best...it leaves a very unpleasant impression.
That no longer makes any difference. Letizia is now Queen and that is where Felipe wants her, or she wouldn't be there.