Queen Letizia’s Public Engagements Highlight Health Advocacy and Regional Support

Queen Letizia, Honorary President of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), attended a Cancer Tour conference at AECC’s headquarters, Lleida’s CaixaForum, on Tuesday. In Catalonia, the program resumed after a month of vacations, first in Mallorca and then in another destination that felt truly special to the Queen, a kind of personal summer break that was described as a “special holiday.”

Back at work, she wore shoes with heels taller than ten centimeters. A report from El País notes one of the long-wearing high heels she avoided wearing due to persistent foot pain, possibly chronic metatarsalgia caused by overuse. This season, she tends toward loafers for travel and public appearances, complemented by the espadrilles she favors in the summer.

August saw Letizia looking very comfortable as a family unit at Cartuja de Valldemossa, the summer retreat chosen by the King and Queen. She appeared in straight espadrilles or modest wedges during a stroll through the Mallorca promenade with her daughters and Honorary Queen Sofia. She also turned heads in a mini dress that highlighted her tan and sculpted legs.

nonverbal language

The foot discomfort mentioned may have eased over the summer. On her return to official duties, Letizia signaled confidence with a poised, polished look that leaned on elevated shoes.

Her outfit this time featured soft pink accents in a living-room color palette to harmonize with the floral pattern of a flowy red dress, a crisscross V-neck, a belt, and a bow all in the same fabric.

Two design elements recur in the ensembles Letizia has favored recently as she approaches her 50th birthday on September 15: midi length and French or three-quarter sleeves.

The piece is by Adolfo Domínguez and originally debuted in 2018 in Palma de Mallorca during a luncheon with the Head of Government.

Her hair appeared slightly shorter, worn loose in the middle with the ends turned out, complemented by a natural makeup look and small white circles. The Karen Hallam ring—silver and gold plated—remains a staple she has worn on many occasions.

anti-monarchist concentration

Two small demonstrations gathered near the Lleida cultural center on Tuesday, separated by fences and mounted police, one supporting the monarchy and the other backing pro-independence protests, attracting a few dozen participants. At the pro-independence rally, anti-monarchy chants were heard, and the Lleida rapper Paul Hasel was mentioned as a figure of dissent.

Letizia was received by Maria Eugènia Gay, the Government delegate in Catalonia; José Crespín, the government’s sub-delegate in Lleida; and Silvia Calzón, Minister of Health. At the Queen’s reception, the absence of Lleida’s mayor Miquel Pueyo and Bernat Solé, the Generalitat’s delegate in Lleida, was noted.

The AECC-organized conference featured doctor Carlos López-Otín, who recalled attending one of his lectures years ago and used the moment to present the book Egoísta, inmortales y viajeras, which explored cancer awareness across various regions of Spain. The event also served as a moment for the Queen to engage as a foreign student.

Letizia asked the doctor about resistance to orthodox and traditional medicine in favor of integrative approaches. López-Otín responded that the key is to keep working hard and to acknowledge that this type of medicine represents the future.

View of La Palma

Next Friday, the Queen will continue her schedule by opening the school year at lava-affected centers in La Palma: Los Campitos, Todoque, and María Milagros Acosta. The visit reinforces the Royal Household’s ongoing support for the island, which suffered a volcanic eruption. In March, the King and Queen paid tribute to the island’s citizens and to the State Security Forces and Corps, Civil Protection, firefighters, Red Cross, scientists, and volunteers who helped victims.

Earlier, a similar sentiment of support was expressed during a formal act on the island, reflecting ongoing solidarity with residents and responders.

Queen Letizia, as Honorary President of AECC, continues to advocate for cancer research and patient care, while balancing her duties across a busy royal calendar. The engagements highlight a blend of public service, health advocacy, and a commitment to recognizing regional needs within Spain. The visit to Lleida and the events in La Palma underscore the Queen’s role in national and local communities alike, all within the framework of the Spanish constitutional monarchy.