Queen Letizia makes headlines around the world on nearly a daily basis. But what do we actually know about the Spanish royal anyway? Here's everything you need to know about Letizia.
Queen Letizia Facts: Age, Birthday, Zodiac Sign
The Spanish queen was born Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano in Oviedo, Asturias, Spain, in 1972. Today, she's 48 years old and will move a year closer to 50 on Sept. 15, 2021. Since her birthday is before Sept. 23, she was born under the zodiac sign Virgo.
The eldest of three sisters, Letizia spent her youth in Madrid, where she also attended school. At that time, she probably would not have dreamt that she would eventually become a successful news anchor and stand at the side of a king.
She later studied journalism and made a career as a reporter, before she married Felipe in 2004 and joined the Spanish Royal Family. At the time, the future king was the Prince of Asturias and the heir to the Spanish throne. Prior to wedding Felipe, Letizia had for nine years been with Alonso Guerrero Pérez, whom she married in 1998. However, that marriage lasted only one year.
How tall is Queen Letizia?
Queen Letizia's size is also a frequent topic for gossip. The 48-year-old appears petite and small in photos, especially when she stands next to her husband Felipe, a real giant at 6-foot-4 (1.97m). But Queen Letizia is taller than people tend to believe: she's actually 5-foot-5 (1.70m).
There is also much speculation about the queen's rumoured history with cosmetic surgery. In 2008, the Spanish court confirmed that Letizia underwent a surgical correction on her nose, but that it was for health reasons. The royal is said to have had breathing problems. Further operations were never publicly confirmed.
Felipe and Letizia share two daughters together, Leonor, 15, and Infanta Sofia, 13. The elder daughter, Leonor, Princess of Asturias, is heir presumptive to the Spanish throne.
For more on the royals, see all the European royal families' Christmas plans in 2020.