Queen Letizia of Spain bonded with youngsters as she paid a visit to a school in north Manhattan on Monday. The engagement was the first time that Letizia, 42, had made an official visit to New York City as the wife of the new reigning monarch King Felipe VI, who ascended the throne three months ago. Arriving at the Dos Puentes Elementary School, the stunning royal was an immediate hit with the children who had hundreds of questions for the queen.
Letizia was asked by youngsters what it was like to be a queen
"How come you aren't wearing a crown?" asked one schoolboy, while another said, "What's it like to be a queen?" "Do you have any children?" piped in another, while the matter of Letizia's home gained much interest. "Where do you live in Spain?", "Do you live in a castle?" and "Do you live in a palace?" were just some of the questions Letizia entertained.
Letizia shines at first reception in Majorca as queenWearing a burgundy dress suit and matching heels, Letizia smiled as she was charmed by the kids. She pointed out Madrid on a map and explained why Spain had a monarchy, and gave the impression that she was "very pleased to be queen" according to principal Victoria Hunt.
Queen Letizia was shown how art is used to teach students Spanish
Letizia, who is proud mum to young daughters Princesses Leonor and Sofia, was visiting the school as it had just been accepted into the International Spanish Academies programme. Alongside three other schools, Dos Puentes will offer its students Spanish language immersion courses encouraging bilingualism.
Letizia and Felipe go on summer holiday to MajorcaThe royal was also taken to the art department where she learnt how art was used to teach students Spanish and obliged one schoolgirl with a selfie.
Queen Letizia is mum to young daughters Princesses Leonor and Sofia
During her visit, Letizia was accompanied by Carmen Fariña, the New York City Schools Chancellor and head of the New York City Department of Education. The pair discussed parent engagement and other school-related topics.
Letizia recycles dress she wore to William and Kate's wedding"Very few things get me excited as meeting a queen," said Carmen. "She really understands education. I was really impressed by how up to date she is on things in New York. We're going to stay in touch."