The key figures of the Royal House
Behind the curtains of the Royal House there are figures that arouse great curiosity. They are the close guard of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, their most trusted employees. As in all areas, there are different levels of responsibility, specific duties and, crucially, trust. At the summit, a few names stand out: one of them is Camilo Vilarino, named Head of Zarzuela at the beginning of the year, since his role includes a high dose of trust from the royal family. Another important name is María Dolores Ocaña, the personal secretary of the queen consort. These people are the most visible and closest to the royal marriage.
The fundamental role of Bernardo Francisco de Lizaur Cuesta
But there is another character whose role is less known but just as crucial; a career military man who is in charge of a constant concern of the Royal House: conduct in public. In the case of kings and queens, impeccable behavior is expected, in accordance with protocol and established norms. Although some may consider these protocols somewhat outdated, they must be followed to maintain the image of the Crown.
Curro, the strategist in the shadows
Bernardo Francisco de Lizaur Cuesta, known as Curro, is 61 years old, comes from Seville and has a long military career, in addition to having held various intermittent functions for the Royal Family. His current position is director of Hearings and Events of Zarzuela, a position to which he was promoted in 2021, making him Head of Protocol. This position places him as responsible for all public appearances of the monarchs, both in Spain and abroad. Although he does not always achieve the expected success, his work is crucial to the image of the monarchy.
Challenges and anecdotes of protocol management
Their duties include ensuring that public events run smoothly, but there are times when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a glass missing from the toast, or Letizia getting ahead of the rest, the challenges are constant. Recently, during the Spanish men’s soccer team’s Euro Cup celebration, Curro had to intervene so that the king and his daughters were positioned correctly. Situations like this are common in your daily life.
The value of a job well done
Curro earns a considerable salary of approximately €120,000 annually, reflecting the importance and difficulty of his role. However, the debate arises as to whether this salary fully compensates for the responsibilities and stress that his job entails, since each mistake can affect the public image of the monarchy. Each public appearance is a challenge and a new opportunity to demonstrate his competence in his work.
The next time you see the royal family in a public appearance, remember that behind their behavior is the firm hand of Bernardo Francisco de Lizaur Cuesta, managing every protocol detail with the precision of a military strategist. He is the one who makes sure everything runs smoothly, allowing the monarchy to maintain its image to the world. Attention, ar!
