King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spainare one of our favorite royal power couples to talk about.
Felipe got engaged to his soon-to-be-wife in 2003 and married her a year later (perCasa Real).
Together, they have two children,Princess LeonorandPrincess Sofia.
The palace was also rebuilt after it was extensively damaged during theSpanish Civil Warin the 1930s.
The huge circular driveway gives this upscale suburb-style house a finishing royal touch.
Dictator Francisco Franco took it over during the Spanish Civil War (perWelcome to Madrid).
Since 1983, the Spanish royal family has used it to host foreign heads of state.
Historically, older generations of royals also used it as a winter home.
Fun fact: did you know episodes of"Cuentame como paso"were filmed at the royal palace?
As early as the Middle Ages, the kings of Castile flocked here to hunt.
King Henry III built a castle to accommodate the sport in the 15th century.
Later, a large hunting lodge calledTorre de la Parada, which had a distinctive spire, was constructed.
The lodge was destroyed and ransacked in 1710 by Austrian troops (perTime).
Parterre Garden, just south of the palace, is particularly beautiful with its towering, ancient trees.
If you’re up for a quick drive,Campo del Moro Gardensare about 20 minutes from El Pardo.
Away from the mass tourism spots, they are a place for reflection and rest."
Nearly 16,000 make up the woodlands that surround the El Pardo royal grounds (perPatrimonio Nacional).
Its borders were first set in the early 1400s after royals claimed the property.
He has returned to Spain only once since 2020 (perThe New York Times).
News & World Report).
The former king enjoys a 1,050-square-meter mansion with a private beach, swimming pool, and many luxurious bedrooms.
It was originally built in 1925 and given to the Spanish royal family in 1973.
In 2014, allegations of fraud were made against Cristina and her husband, Inaki Urdangarin (perNPR).
She was stripped of her duchess title as a result (perPeople).
She moved to Switzerland with her children, according toHello.
Urdangarin was found guilty in 2018, while the princess was acquitted (viaVanity Fair).
Our commitment to our children remains intact.
Since this is a private decision we ask the utmost respect of all those around us."
It is likely she splits her time between Spain and Mallorca, like her mother.
Like a mini Versailles, the palace sprawls “over 135,000 square meters and 3,418 rooms.”
This massive estate took decades to complete and underwent several redesigns by several monarchs and architects.
Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
