Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano was not a name familiar to royal watchers up until around 31 October 2003, and even then, many had their doubts that the rumours—that her engagement to Prince Felipe, the Prince of Asturias, was about to be announced—were true.
But on 1 November, the Spanish Royal Court shared that King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía had the “great satisfaction” of announcing that their son and heir would marry the prominent Spanish journalist the following May.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd when Felipe and Letizia were officially presented to the press and public on 6 November, a simple and smartly adorned white gold engagement ring sat on the third finger of her left hand.
Designed by Spanish jeweller Suárez, Letizia’s engagement ring was white gold framed with 16 baguette diamonds. There was no central stone, instead, the diamonds were set in the white gold band. It’s rumoured to have cost £20,000.
In return, Letizia presented her future husband with white gold and sapphire cufflinks and a book.
The rumour mill started flying that Felipe’s sister and brother-in-law, Infanta Christina and Iñaki Urdangarin, were involved in helping the couple stay undercover and that Urdangarin had picked up the engagement ring from the jewellers himself.
With the disgraced businessman’s scandals and eventual prison time casting a pall over the Spanish Royal Family years later, many noticed that Letizia stopped wearing her engagement ring. The Palace has never confirmed or denied the rumours that Urdangarin’s scandals forced Letizia to stop wearing the rings; but she’s never been one to outfit herself in much jewellery regardless.
Felipe and Letizia were married on 22 May 2004 in Madrid. They have two children together, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, and Felipe ascended the throne in July 2014 following his father’s many controversies.
Not only will King Felipe and Queen Letizia celebrate 20 years of marriage this year, the King of Spain will also celebrate 10 years on the throne.
