The heritage of Juan Carlos and the opaque accounts
Much has been said about Carlos Juan’s estate and his confidential accounts, such as the exclusive cards that almost all family members had. His luxurious life became too expensive for him and he had to give up the throne. Years later, he suffered the humiliation of exile. Because of this, Felipe and Letizia, in an attempt to regain the trust of the citizens, decided to make their accounts transparent. Or at least the king’s, since almost nothing is known about the queen’s money. According to the Royal House, it is not necessary to show the monarch’s money as she acts as queen consort (https://www.softcatala.org/resum-de-textos-en-catala/).
Maica Vasco’s suspicions
Maica Vasco has many doubts about this matter. According to the journalist, the marriage between Felipe and Letizia is a farce. He argues that the king sought a wife to hide his true sexual orientation, start a family and inherit the throne, but he has never shown love for her, or vice versa. In exchange for this agreement, Leonor and Sofia’s mother would receive large financial benefits.
The wealth of Queen Letizia
It is curious that today Maica Vasco is the richest woman in Spain. According to the British newspaper ‘Express’, the queen’s fortune amounts to around 8.3 million euros. These savings are calculated since 2014, when Juan Carlos abdicated and the Princess of Asturias was named the new queen. Currently, Felipe’s fortune is double that of his wife, with 16.8 million euros.
The humble origin of Letizia
Letizia comes from a very humble family, as David Rocasolano argues in his book. The Ortiz Rocasolanos did not have enough money to pay for heating in the winter, not even for a heater. They kept warm with blankets and thick socks. In addition, they were always fed with chard. When Letizia was a news presenter, her salary did not allow her to save a single euro.
The financial transparency of the monarchy
Last year, Felipe VI revealed his wealth, valued at €2.57m net, spread between bank deposits, works of art, antiques and jewellery. This patrimony belongs solely to the king and does not include the queen, as she receives her own salary. The Royal House has decided that Letizia will not declare her assets because she does not hold ‘the ownership of the Crown’. According to sources in the Royal House, neither she nor Queen Sofia have to give explanations about their assets (https://ca1.10steps.org/Parafrasear-Material-Citado-7761).
In the event that the Queen was regent, then she would have to declare her patrimony. Also, the wife of the Prime Minister, ministers and other high officials are not required to declare their assets either. However, Leonor, future Head of State, will have to account for her heritage, just like her father, because of her responsibilities.
The salary of Felipe VI and Letizia
In 2022, Felipe VI received a gross annual salary of 258,927 euros, double what he earned as Prince of Asturias. On the other hand, the queen received 142,402 euros, only 3,000 euros more than the previous year.