Queen Letizia of Spain has undergone a significant transformation since her marriage to King Felipe VI in 2004, evolving from a television journalist into a style icon. The 50-year-old royal's appearance has changed so dramatically that the waxwork of her at the Museo de Cera in Madrid has been updated twice to reflect her evolving look.
Before her marriage, Letizia's wardrobe consisted of practical two-piece suits typical of a newsreader. After becoming queen, she adopted more colourful and feminine styles, including tailored sheath dresses, high heels, and elegant jewellery. Her hairstyle has also varied over the years, from a trendy bob in 2015 to her current long, dark brown locks with subtle highlights.
In 2008, Letizia underwent rhinoplasty, which the palace said was performed for respiratory reasons. This procedure prompted the first redesign of her waxwork, originally unveiled in February 2004. A second redesign in 2017 reflected further physical changes, including darker hair. Gonzalo Presa, the museum's communication director, noted that while public feedback was largely positive, social media opinion was more critical.
Presa explained that the waxwork updates were necessary due to the queen's physical changes over time. He stated, 'The physical changes and the passage of time, but above all the physical changes which the monarch has gone through have forced us to remake its physical image.' He added that the latest version best reflects the majesty of Queen Letizia.
Before meeting King Felipe, Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano had a successful career in television and newspapers, including working for the popular channel 24 Horas. She was previously married to writer Alonso Guerrero Pérez, but the marriage ended in divorce after a year.
