Queen Letizia of Spain currently lives in Zarzuela Palace, but she hasn't always enjoyed such luxurious quarters.
Before marrying King Felipe, the journalist resided in a small apartment in Valdebernardo, Madrid, which she reportedly purchased for €230k (around £200k) in 1999. With a turbulent history tied to several heartbreaking events, the property was eventually sold in 2008. We look back at Letizia's pre-royal life…
Post-divorce home
In August 1998, Letizia married high school teacher Alonso Guerrero Pérez in a civil ceremony, but they divorced one year later. Starting a fresh life post-divorce, she continued to build her career while living in her small bachelorette pad.
It was through her work connections that she first crossed paths with Felipe. While Letizia was working as a television reporter for Televisión Española in 2002, she attended a dinner party where she was introduced to her now-husband by a mutual friend, journalist Pedro Erquicia.
The couple announced their engagement in November 2003 and later shared heartfelt tributes to one another. "I am very happy to be able to show how happy our engagement has made me and how in love I am with Letizia. For every couple, it is an important step to become engaged. I say to you with conviction that Letizia is the woman with whom I want to share my life and to build a family," said Felipe.
© Getty ImagesWhile reporters gathered outside the journalist's home, they failed to gain insider information about the future royal, thanks to her private lifestyle.
© Getty ImagesDoorman Gaspar was one of the only sources, who told El País at the time: "I'm the only one who has any contact with her here. You can be sure that the prince is gaining more from this than she is. She's a true lady, down-to-earth, discreet, a real gem."
Second heartbreak
Shortly after their engagement, Letizia moved into the palace as the royal wedding preparations began. She later allowed her sister Erika, who worked as an interior designer for a TV production company, to live at her former apartment with her daughter, Carla.
© Getty ImagesHeartbreak befell Letizia in 2007, when Erika died by suicide aged 31 in the apartment, shortly after splitting from her husband, sculptor Antonio Vigo.
During the funeral service in Madrid, the royal tearfully acknowledged the support shown by members of the public. "Thank you to everyone who has shown sympathy following the death of my little sister," Letizia said.
With the aftermath of both her own and her sister's divorce, followed by Erika's death, casting a dark shadow over the accommodation, Letizia sold the property in 2008.
