Paloma Rocasolano’s role in the royal family
Paloma Rocasolano, at 72 years old, has been a key player in the royal family of Spain since her daughter Letizia Ortiz joined the House of Borbón. Over the last two decades, Paloma has played a fundamental role in the lives of her granddaughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía. Queen Letizia has placed great trust in her mother for the education and well-being of her daughters, with the certainty that she would strictly comply with her guidelines. Thanks to this trust of hers, Paloma has spent a lot of time in her royal residence, the Zarzuela Palace, even having her own rooms, according to journalist Pilar Eyre.
A significant change in your life
Paloma’s life has undergone a drastic change since her daughter Letizia became queen. From a modest and reserved life, she has gone on to be present in high society circles and enjoy exclusive shops on Madrid’s Golden Mile. However, despite this new lifestyle, there are aspects of her past that remain hidden, especially those related to her family.
Memories of a humble past
The importance of their parents
Queen Letizia’s maternal grandparents, Paloma Rocasolano’s parents, have been figures of great emotional relevance for her. Enriqueta Rodríguez Figueredo, Paloma’s mother, died in June 2008 at the Gregorio Marañón hospital in Madrid. The loss of Enriqueta was especially painful for Paloma, who had already faced the tragic death of her daughter, Érika, a year earlier. Furthermore, the health of Francisco Rocasolano, her father, had worsened, making the situation even more difficult.
Francisco Rocasolano: A life of effort
Francisco Rocasolano, who died in July 2015 at the age of 98 at the Salamanca Clinical Hospital, was a central figure in Paloma’s life. Born in the Prosperidad neighborhood of Madrid on July 21, 1918, Francisco experienced the bankruptcy of his family business after the Spanish Civil War. Despite his difficulties, he became a mechanic and later obtained his own taxi license, a significant achievement for him. Francisco worked as a taxi driver until his retirement in 1991.
Paloma Rocasolano’s family
A brother in Europe
Paloma’s brother Francisco moved to Luxembourg, where he worked for many years as a driver at the European Parliament. Despite leading a relatively anonymous life, his name appeared in controversies, especially after the publication of the book “Goodbye, Princess”, which generated scandals and legal problems that led him to withdraw from public life.
A little-known stepsister
A lesser-known aspect of Paloma’s family tree is her illegitimate sister. When Francisco met Enriqueta, she was a widow and mother of a girl named Otilia, having taken refuge in Madrid during the war. The love relationship between Francisco and Enriqueta culminated in a marriage in 1950, which produced Paloma and her brother Francisco, who would eventually inherit her father’s taxi license.
