Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has joined the Queen in her carriage for Royal Ascot, alongside the King of Netherlands and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York. Queen Maxima is currently enjoying a visit to the UK alongside her husband King Willem-Alexander, who invested with the insignia of the order by the Queen on Monday. The couple wowed royal fans today as they joined the Queen during the royal procession. But many were disappointed that Queen Letizia was not in attendance as predicted, but why was she not there?

Who is Queen Letizia?

Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano is the current Queen of Spain.

She previously worked as a Spanish journalist working for ABC and EFE before becoming a news anchor on CNN+ and Television Espanola.

She became engaged to then Prince Felipe of Asturias and heir apparent to the Spanish throne in 2003. 

They were married in 2004 and have since had two daughters Leonor and Sofia, born in 2005 and 2007 respectively.

She became the Queen of Spain after her father-in-law King Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014, making Felipe the new King of Spain.

Why was Queen Letizia with Kate Middleton on Monday?

Queen Letizia of Spain and the Duchess of Cambridge were two guests present at the Order of the Garter service and parade yesterday in Windsor.

The two women were co-ordinated in elegant black-and-white ensembles.

The pair rode together in a carriage as part of the Garter Day procession and were joined by Sophie, Countess of Wessex; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; and the Netherlands’ Queen Maxima.

The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain, established by King Edward III nearly 700 years ago.

The annual service is marked by a procession to the ceremony at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.

This year, the Queen invited King Felipe of Spain and King William-Alexander of the Netherlands to the ceremony – where both were made Stranger Knights of the Garter.

The accolade is occasionally bestowed upon international royals, as in this instance, in an honorary capacity, but the order is typically restricted to just 24 members.

The Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex are all Knights of the Garter, while the Princess Royal is a Lady Companion.

They were all present at the service.

Prince Harry is not yet a member, as a more junior member of the royal family.

Who is Queen Maxima?

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands is the wife of King Williem-Alexander.

The couple announced their engagement in 2001 and were married in February 2002 in a civil ceremony in Amsterdam which was followed by a religious ceremony at Amsterdam’s Nieuwe Kerk (New Church).

She was granted Dutch citizenship by Royal Decree in 2001 and now has dual Argentine and Dutch citizenship.

They have three daughters: Catharina-Amalia, Princess of Orange, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane, born in 2003, 2005 and 2007 respectively.

Queen Maxima became the first queen consort of the Netherlands in April 2013, since Emma of Waldeck and Pyrmont who was queen consort from 1879 to 1890.

Why was Queen Letizia absent from Royal Ascot?

Sadly, Queen Letizia did not attend Royal Ascot as predicted.

Queen Letizia and Queen Maxima are both in the UK and attended a royal event on Monday with the Duchess of Cambridge.

The Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a special reunion with the royal women as the royals attended the Order of the Garter service in Windsor.

The three wives were supporting their husbands, all of whom are members of the Order: William as a senior British royal, King Willem-Alexander and King Felipe as Knights of the Garter. 

It is not known exactly why Queen Letizia is not in attendance today, but it is perhaps because King Felipe has other business elsewhere and the royal couple are therefore unable to attend. 

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