Biography
Born to Jess Ortiz, a journalist and businessman, and Paloma Rocasolano, a nurse and union official, on September 15, 1972, Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano grew up in the middle-class city of Oviedo, in the northern region of Asturias, Spain. She is the eldest of three daughters and was the one to show the most interest in her family's "business"; both her father and grandfather had enjoyed decades of success working in journalism.
Being a bright student, however, Letizia decided to try out several programs before picking a career. After finishing secondary school in her hometown, she moved to Madrid to study at the Centre Ramiro de Maetzu. Ortiz finally settled on a major soon after, earning a bachelor's in information sciences at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. An eager pupil, this beauty also received her master's degree in audiovisual journalism.
Instead of searching immediately for a job in Spain, Ortiz decided to travel before settling down. She flew to Mexico to pursue doctorate studies and work for a newspaper in Mexico City. It was there that she was photographed and befriended by an artist named Waldo Saveedra.
After serving as the influence for three of Saveedra's paintings (an action that would come back to haunt her) and serving her time as journalist, Ortiz returned to Spain.
With impressive credentials, she did not have trouble finding a job in her line of work. She began her real journalism career with La Nueva Espaa, an Asturian newspaper. Between this and her efforts at the editing desk of Agencia EFE, Spain's news agency, Ortiz met Alonso Guerrero. After a short relationship, they married, in a civil ceremony, in 1998. The nuptials lasted only one year.
Following the divorce, Ortiz concentrated once again on finding work at Spain's best news services. Her initial efforts were quite successful, as she had stints with both the Bloomberg Financial TV network and CNN Plus, Spain's version of the news channel.
In 2000, Letizia settled down with Televisin Espaola (TVE). She became a renowned reporter after traveling to New York to bring news of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and visiting Iraq at the onset of President Bush's military campaign. The Spanish Press Association rewarded her with a Best Reporter Under 30 award.
At a dinner party in the fall of 2002, all of Ortiz's plans would change, however. There, she met His Royal Highness Prince Felipe of Asturias, heir to the Spanish throne. Instead of being intimidated by this much-loved, and available, prince, Ortiz engaged him in conversation and soon, sparks flew. For one year, they dated in secret; Ortiz didn't even tell her parents about their involvement.
The Prince and Ortiz finally announced their relationship on November 1, 2003, at a much-publicized press conference. To the great surprise of everyone, however, they also announced their engagement.
A commoner had never been in line to rise to queen as Ortiz would be, but the idea was not met with hostility, nor was the fact that she was once divorced.
Though her middle-class upbringing and past relationships were accepted by the Prince's parents, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, they had a hard time swallowing the news that came in early 2004.
Waldo Saveedra announced to the Mexican press that he had painted the future princess nude and was going to reveal the piece of art in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on May 22, 2004, the day of the royal wedding.
I would like to hear your comments and opinions of this very controversial figure in the spanish monarchy.
