Queen Letizia was once again the star of the show at the start of the 85th Madrid Book Fair. El Retiro Park was bustling with life on a sunny day filled with anticipation, as the monarch strolled along the main paths to officially open the fair. Official approval for this cultural event a landmark that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
This year, the event has a special feel, focusing on humor as its central theme, aiming to make reading a refuge of optimism. Accompanied by authorities such as the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, and the Mayor, José Luis MartÃnez-Almeida, the Queen enjoyed a stroll that lasted longer than expected due to her closeness to booksellers and the public which crowded the first booths open to the public.
A summer style with a Spanish touch
To combat the high temperatures already being felt in the capital, Queen Letizia has opted for an outfit that combines coolness and elegance. She has brought out a midi dress from Adolfo DomÃnguez, a piece with a chalk-effect print in shades of blue and a halter neckline that allows her figure to shine. excellent physical condition and very toned arms, the result of his daily discipline.
As for footwear, the Queen has decided it's time to bring out the espadrilles, sporting a handcrafted wedge model from the Sarah World brand. This shoe, which has become one of her signature summer footwear choices, has allowed her to walk comfortably through the Retiro sandy promenadesShe also completed the look with earrings from the Mallorcan firm Isabel Guarch, inspired by the compass rose, adding a touch of understated luxury to the ensemble.
This stylistic choice is not only a nod to national fashion, but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability. reuse clothes from previous seasonsIt is well known that Queen Letizia prefers to give a second life to her favorite designs at events where closeness with the public is the priority, achieving a perfect balance between her institutional role and a more casual air.
The literary gems that she takes to the Zarzuela
As a passionate reader, the monarch did not leave empty-handed. During her visit, she received and selected several books that reflect her eclectic tastes. Among the acquisitions are titles such as La grieta by Rodrigo Gervasi, which addresses the difficulties young people face in becoming independent, or the classic Hunger by Nobel laureate Knut Hamsun. He has also been interested in the traditional gastronomy of La Rioja, receiving a classic recipe book from the region edited by Santos Ochoa.
The book list is extensive and ranges from crime novels, with The double disappearance of Abril del Pino...even historical works such as Captain Cuéllar's letterAt each stop, Queen Letizia has demonstrated a extensive knowledge of the publishing sectorchatting with editors and authors about the latest news and the importance of keeping the paper format alive in the digital age.
He even found time to reflect on the future of the book, taking home a copy that compiles forty perspectives from industry professionals on the challenges ahead. His interest isn't limited to bestsellers; he often support small independent publishers who find in the Fair their best showcase to reach new curious readers.
Moments of closeness and support for education
One of the most spontaneous moments of the morning occurred when the Queen stopped to chat with a group of early childhood educators. Despite the strict protocol, she didn't hesitate to listen to their concerns about the situation in the sector, demonstrating once again that she is attentive to social realityIn addition, there were plenty of selfies with young people who crowded behind the barriers to greet her.
In the Children's Pavilion, Queen Letizia shared confidences with the youngest participants in various workshops. There, she delivered a clear message: reading is the best tool for understanding the world and oneself. As a former journalist, she also left a advice for young reporters from a school radio station, encouraging them to devour books to improve their expression and develop a more solid independent thought process.
Humor takes center stage in El Retiro
The fair, which will remain open until June 14, features more than 300 booths and a program that pays tribute to great figures of satire. Authors such as Eva Hache and JoaquÃn Reyes will share the stage with international names like Jonathan Coe, transforming the Madrid park into a hub of culture. The organizers hope that the massive public influx, despite the potential transport problems arising from other institutional visits in the capital.
Queen Letizia's inauguration marks the start of weeks of book signings, debates, and meetings that solidify Madrid's position as the literary epicenter of the Ibero-American world. Through her unwavering support, the Queen reaffirms that books are essential nourishment for the soul and that this event, after nearly a century of history, remains the an unmissable event of spring in Madrid for any lover of good stories.