Public perception and family reality
It is not necessary to be a deep expert in the history of the royal family of Spain to notice that there is a clear disparity between what the institution tries to project and the real situation that exists behind the doors of the house. Many times, the media has revealed that, despite the gestures of rapprochement that may sometimes arise between Letizia and some members of her in-laws, the nature of these relationships is, deep down, problematic. This discontent is especially observed in her relationship with her mother-in-law, Queen Sofía, and with her sisters-in-law, the Infantas Elena and Cristina.
The distancing that hurts
It is important to consider that many followers of the current queen understand her position regarding her in-laws. This is largely due to the history that preceded her union with Philip VI. Sofia, Elena and Cristina clearly expressed from the beginning that they saw Letizia as a threat to the crown, arguing that she was not up to the duties that her future role would entail. This mistrust has deeply affected family relationships, creating a tense and distant atmosphere.
Infanta Elena’s plans
Distance has led to certain strategies being devised to undermine the image of the other party. A clear example of this is what Infanta Elena is said to be trying to accomplish. It is not a secret that, on their visits to Palma de Mallorca, when Felipe, Letizia and their daughters are at the Marivent palace, the rest of the family – except Queen Sofia and her sister Irene of Greece – stays away, showing that the relations between Letizia, her sisters-in-law and her nephews are quite tense.
Actions and reactions
Infanta Elena is aware that, while her sister-in-law and her brother are in Mallorca, she does not have the opportunity to approach Marivent. So he has orchestrated a plan for this year: to reunite his children with Infanta Cristina, his descendants and his father in Abu Dhabi, with the intention of taking a series of photographs that, as has happened in the past, might not be of the pleasure of the Royal House. These maneuvers reveal the complicated network of relationships that exists within the family.
Reflection on family relationships
In short, family dynamics in the royal house are complex and often contradictory. Everything seems to indicate that, despite efforts to present a united and cohesive image, underlying tensions continue to mark the pulse of family interactions. Relationships are not what they seem, and the living room of the royal house is, without a doubt, full of nuances that few know in their entirety.