00:01On November 1, 2003, the life of journalist Leticia Ortiz changed forever.
00:06The day before, he presented the evening news, and hours later, the Royal Household
00:09Spanish woman confirmed her engagement to Prince Felipe.
00:12How was the couple's presentation to the media and their first public appearance together?
00:16We'll tell you about it.
00:18Just one week before making their relationship official, the couple had met
00:22at the Hotel Reconquista in Oviedo, on the occasion of the presentation of the Prince of Asturias Awards
00:25Asturias.
00:26They greeted each other with a handshake.
00:27Few knew then that they had been having a secret romance for months.
00:32On November 1, the Spanish Royal Household announced the courtship and engagement of Felipe de
00:36Bourbon with Leticia Ortiz, a Spanish television news presenter.
00:41The announcement was premature, as the relationship between the heir was an open secret.
00:45and the journalist.
00:47Two days later, the couple appeared before the press in the gardens of the pavilion.
00:51of the Prince.
00:52Felipe was the first to speak.
00:53It gives me so much joy to be able to express how happy our engagement makes me and
01:03I'm in love with Leticia.
01:04We present ourselves as lovers, committed, convinced and excited, and of course dedicated to service.
01:15of Spain and of the Spanish people.
01:19I understand the surprise this decision has caused almost everyone, but it is a mature decision.
01:25the fruit of very intense reflections and above all with the weight and solidity of profound love
01:32that we have and the common project that we started.
01:36I have been a journalist since I was very young, and I have practiced my profession until I am 31 years old now.
01:43with enthusiasm, with excitement, with strength.
01:45In that same way I approach what we are now beginning: with responsibility, enthusiasm, and dedication.
01:52of service to the Spanish people.
01:53Thanks a lot.
01:54A few hours later they accompanied King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia to a concert
01:58at the Royal Theatre of Madrid, which was being held to mark the Queen's 65th birthday.
02:04It was the first time Leticia had appeared in public as the prince's fiancée and
02:08He sat in the royal box next to the royal family.
02:17On November 1, 2003, Leticia Ortiz's life took a 180-degree turn.
02:22That day, she left her job as a news presenter and moved into the zarzuela.
02:26She had to prepare herself to be the Princess of Asturias and future Queen of Spain.
