The prominent figure of Queen Sofia
Queen Sofía has always been a prominent and beloved figure in European monarchies, recognized for her elegance and her presence in the Zarzuela. However, her time of splendor with Juan Carlos was marred by various controversies that finally led to her abdication. Before that moment, Sofía played a predominant and active role, standing firm and fulfilling her responsibilities despite the public humiliations of her husband, even when in private they did not even share a residence. As consort, she had a 50/50 shared responsibility for the education and training of Philip VI, the current king of Spain.
Letizia: a cold and calculating woman
Much has been said about Letizia, characterizing her as a cold and calculating woman, eager to have absolute control over all situations. Despite the apparent tension and competition between both queens to stand out, deep down they are not so different. Sofia of Greece played her role with mastery, completely assuming her image as queen of Spain. She was aware of her place and, despite her adversities, she stood firm and worthy of it.
Similarities and differences between Sofía and Letizia
Pilar Eyre, in her blog for Lecturas magazine, describes Letizia as a person who does not take advice and who, when something does not meet her standards, simply discards it without commenting. This rigidity and demand are also characteristics of Sofía, although her treatment with her staff was slightly different. The queen emerita, according to Eyre, did not usually reprimand her employees directly, but her discontent was evident through her gestures, as mentioned by some of her employees. This stern look she gave when something didn’t live up to her expectations made her dissatisfaction clear.
Unlike Letizia, who has undergone several image changes in search of her style, Queen Sofía has maintained her characteristic hairstyle and her rigidity in her daily dealings with her assistants and service staff. Eyre highlights Sophia’s dignity and strong character, describing her as a woman of royal stature. In summary, both Sofia and Letizia have proven to be figures of great character and demand, each in her own way, leaving a distinctive mark on the Spanish Royal House.
