The Origin of the Smear Campaign
A few months ago, a smear campaign emerged around Letizia, which it is speculated could be being orchestrated from the Royal House. Some sources suggest that Juan Carlos, who has maintained a tense relationship with the queen, could be behind this strategy as a form of revenge for her abdication and subsequent exile. There is a belief that Felipe would not have made this decision alone, but rather would have been influenced by Leonor and Sofía’s mother. Since she assumed the role of queen consort, Letizia never settled for a secondary role, she always sought to stand out above the king, becoming the main figure. Given this situation, a campaign would have been unleashed to undermine her image and force her to accept her position, thus preventing her from humiliating the monarch. Letizia’s alleged infidelity with Jaime del Burgo for several years has even been spread.
The Power Dynamics
Despite having been relegated to the background, Letizia continues to maintain influence in the royal family, although her power within the institution appears to have diminished. In contrast, in family matters she remains a determining figure. During the last year, members of the Borbón family have met on multiple occasions, in some of which Felipe and Letizia have been forced to participate. Even Juan Carlos makes an appearance in Spain at his whim. However, Letizia’s daughters, Leonor and Sofía, do not publicly relate to the Borbón, since her mother has the last word in this regard.
The Longing of Queen Sofia
Queen Sofia longs to reunite her eight grandchildren in Marivent, a wish she hopes to fulfill during her next trip in the company of her sister Irene. However, Letizia has made it clear to Felipe that her daughters will not participate in this meeting, arguing that they do not wish to be linked to the Bourbons, as this could damage her impeccable image. This position has prevented the family reunion from taking place, frustrating the wish of the queen emeritus.
Family Dynamics in Palma de Mallorca
As in previous years, Letizia, Felipe, Leonor and Sofía plan to travel to Palma de Mallorca for two weeks in July, excluding other family members. Queen Sofia and Irene of Greece will be the only exceptions. Later, in August, the Marichalar and the Urdangarins will be able to settle in the palace, leaving Queen Sofía without the possibility of fulfilling her desire to reunite her grandchildren in Marivent.