After several days relaxing against a backdrop of blue sea and skies on Majorca, Spanish Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia travelled to the other end of their country for a break in 'green Spain', where the future queen was born.
Still wearing shades against the August sun, but prudently clutching a cardi during their walkabouts, Letizia was clearly delighted to be spending a few days in Ribadesella, in the northern region of Asturias.
In what has become a common scene, she and the prince, who married in May, were mobbed by well-wishers whenever they went for a stroll around the coastal town. And, as usual, they were happy to stop and chat and sign autographs for their fans in between seeing the local sights.
The couple were on a visit to Letizia's grandparents, with whom she has a very close relationship. Some of the first public photos of the future princess with Felipe after news of their surprise engagement broke late last year were taken during a trip to her home region.
The royal visits are certainly helping to put 'green Spain' on the map: the lusher northern provinces, which offer a cooler climate, excellent rural tourism and fabulous cuisine, are making a serious challenge among discerning travellers to Spain's stereotypical sun-sea-sangria image.
Photo: Rex
Photo: Rex
