After a year without night outings due to the heat, Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia resume their traditional stroll through the night markets of Palma. The gesture aims to support the emeritus in her first summer without her sister Irene.
Palma de Mallorca is preparing to welcome one of the most anticipated sights of the summer: the stroll of Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia through its night markets. After last year's scare, when the emeritus suffered a fainting spell in broad daylight, the royal family has decided to return to the cooler and safer evening hours. The news has spread like wildfire among the artisans of the Paseo de Sagrera, Puerto Portals, and Pollença, who are already sharpening their best bracelets and necklaces.
A Gesture of Support in a Difficult Summer
Queen Sofia faces her first summer without the company of her sister, Irene of Greece, who passed away last year, and her cousin Tatiana Radziwill. For this reason, Queen Letizia has wanted to increase her presence at the Palace of Marivent and go out more often with the emeritus. "It's a lovely gesture," comments an artisan from the Lonja market. "Queen Sofia is always very nice, but she seems to need affection more now."
The Royal House has not confirmed exact dates, but close sources assure that the outings will be at sunset, as in 2022. That year, Letizia and her daughters accompanied the emeritus on a route that began at the Paseo de Sagrera and ended at Puerto Portals, with a stop at the local craft stalls. Queen Letizia, in addition to chatting with the vendors, purchased some items: fabric bracelets and natural stone necklaces.
The Local Trade, the Big Beneficiary
For the markets of Palma, the visit of the royal family is an incalculable publicity boost. "When they come, the place fills up with people who want to see them and then stay to shop," explains María, a ceramic seller from the Pollença market. "Last year, without the night outing, we noticed the difference."
The classic route includes the market at Paseo de Sagrera, Puerto Portals, and Pollença, although an incursion into the Santa Catalina market, very popular among tourists, is not ruled out. The artisans are already preparing their best pieces, hoping that Queen Letizia will take notice of them. "She has very fine taste, always choosing elegant yet simple things," notes a jeweller from the centre.
The decision to return to night hours also responds to the high temperatures that plague the island. Last year, Queen Sofia suffered a slight fainting spell during a daytime stroll through the centre of Palma, which forced the outing to be interrupted. "With the coolness of the night, it is much more pleasant, and the atmosphere is more intimate," points out a royal protocol expert.
A Summer of Reunions
Beyond the markets, it is expected that the Bourbon family will spend more time together at Marivent. Queen Letizia has organised several activities for the emeritus, including boat trips and family dinners. "She wants her mother-in-law to feel supported," explains a close source. "This summer is special for her."
The people of Palma are already attentive to any movement. "When they come, it’s a celebration," says a resident of the Paseo Marítimo. "I hope we see them soon." And indeed, beyond the royalty, the visit of Letizia and Sofia to the markets is a symbol of support for local commerce and a gesture that the Mallorcans appreciate. "They are one of us," concludes artisan María.
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