Queen Letizia of Spain puts on brave face on family holiday following grandfather's death


August 4, 2015

It's been less than two weeks since Queen Letizia of Spain's grandfather died, but the royal managed to put on a brave face at an official photocall on Monday. The queen, her husband King Felipe VI and the couple's two daughters Princesses Leonor and Sofia touched down in Majorca for their annual summer holidays.

Supported by her loving family, Letizia managed a smile for the cameras at Marivent Palace. The 42-year-old queen, who was very close to her granddad Francisco Rocasolano, showed no signs of grief as she greeted the media and waved to photographers.

Despite the semi-formal occasion, Letizia and her brood looked happy and relaxed. The queen went casual chic in khaki green trousers and a patterned white top, which matched the one that her youngest daughter Sofia wore.

© Photo: Getty Images

Queen Letizia was supported by her husband King Felipe VI and their two daughters

The eight-year-old and her older sister Leonor, nine, were in high spirits as they faced the press. Felipe, who wore a pale blue shirt and navy trousers and sported a thick beard, couldn't have looked prouder to be surrounded by his girls.

The Spanish royals usually spend their summers in Majorca, where they can relax in their palace and its lush gardens, and take in the local sights.

© Photo: Getty Images

Letizia put on a brave face following the death of her grandfather last month

The holiday will be a welcome break for Letizia, who lost her grandfather at the end of July. Francisco passed away after reportedly suffering from heart problems, in a hospital in Salamanca just an hour's drive from Madrid.

The 98-year-old had supported his royal granddaughter – who he called "sweet, smart and very normal" – on several high-profile occasions.

© Photo: Getty Images

The Spanish royals usually spend their summers in Majorca 

He attended her wedding in 2004 when she married the then Prince Felipe VI and became the Princess of Asturias and Spain's future queen. He also attended the baptisms of Princesses Leonor and Sofia.

Francisco's last most notable appearance was in July 2014 when Felipe ascended the throne after his dad King Juan Carlos abdicated.

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

Email Address

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royalty

See more