Leonor and Sofia's Nannies

[joys54]

Does Letizia speak English?  I've read that that she does and I've also read that she doesn't.  

I have never met her, let alone tested her English level but every time I read she doesn't speak English I can't believe it. First of all, even if she didn't speak a word of English when she got married, she has been married for 6 years. That is more than enough time for her to reach an acceptable level of English as she would have access to the best teachers and her job is representing Spain. We've also seen her conversing with different royals and world leaders and I doubt every single one spoke Spanish. For example, this summer lunch with Michelle Obama. If she can't speak English that must have been a looong lunch.
Second, I can't believe that the most important TV channel in Spain sent a reporter to Iraq and USA who couldn't speak English. Three of my best friends are journalists. All of them speak English and French. One is doing a postgrade in England, the second one is taking some photography classes and the third one is studying in Belgium. The three of them are attractive and have interned in two of the most important newspapers in Spain, a very known radio and a local TV channel. I can't believe they are the only prepared journalists in Spain, some other reporter would have gotten those two jobs if Letizia couldn't hold a basic conversation in, at least, English.
Thank you Odette

Clara, I can't  you yet until another 24 hrs. but thank you...you're just a fount of knowledge!! I didn't know all those things.

[joys54]

... One of them is very strict and teaches them basic social norms and  "prepares" the girls for their roles as the daughters of the future King; the other one has "fun" classes and teaches them to relax.

Same topic, Moved farther north

H-E-L-L-O, any one from Denmark get this?  X is old enough to interact with people appropriately.  IMO it shows neglect on the part of the handlers and parents.   
 

Clara and Joys for expanding the topic 

Dearest baby Odette...a  for your post cause you "am so right".  By the way, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your avatar!! You're our resident art expert!!

[Odette]

  Thanks Joys, so sweet, I'll get you in 24
Hope you're having a good labor day weekend.  BTW did you get any weather from the Hurricane?

  Teefy stars coming soon gf.

[pixiecat]

Does Letizia speak English?  I've read that that she does and I've also read that she doesn't.  

I have never met her, let alone tested her English level but every time I read she doesn't speak English I can't believe it. First of all, even if she didn't speak a word of English when she got married, she has been married for 6 years. That is more than enough time for her to reach an acceptable level of English as she would have access to the best teachers and her job is representing Spain. We've also seen her conversing with different royals and world leaders and I doubt every single one spoke Spanish. For example, this summer lunch with Michelle Obama. If she can't speak English that must have been a looong lunch.
Second, I can't believe that the most important TV channel in Spain sent a reporter to Iraq and USA who couldn't speak English. Three of my best friends are journalists. All of them speak English and French. One is doing a postgrade in England, the second one is taking some photography classes and the third one is studying in Belgium. The three of them are attractive and have interned in two of the most important newspapers in Spain, a very known radio and a local TV channel. I can't believe they are the only prepared journalists in Spain, some other reporter would have gotten those two jobs if Letizia couldn't hold a basic conversation in, at least, English.
Thank you Odette

Thank you Clara .  I don't really follow Letizia or know much about her.  I've just seen comments on various forums and sites about Leti not being able to speak English.  What you have said makes far more sense than the comments that she doesn't speak English at all.  I know that she's an educated person who travels internationally quite a bit, so it would be strange IMO if she only spoke Spanish.  

[joys54]

Thanks Joys, so sweet, I'll get you in 24
Hope you're having a good labor day weekend.  BTW did you get any weather from the Hurricane?

  Teefy stars coming soon gf.

A good weekend so far, and definitely not as hot...only small breezes from Hurricane Earl...I guess we're too inland.  How is your weekend and did you hit any of the vineyards??

[Paula]

Very good that someone teaches them   I don't see Letizia as a teacher  

Clara

For example, this summer lunch with Michelle Obama. If she can't speak English that must have been a looong lunch.

Maybe Michelle Obama speaks Spanish ?  


Do Letizia have friends ?    I've never seen them  

[lynda]

We have seen Letizia with Haakon & Mette-Marit (who I doubt speak Spanish), they probably all spoke in English.

At the Greek wedding did Letizia speak with Joachim & Marie or others that did not speak Spanish

[winx]

How long is Penelope Cruz in the US?? Even won an Oscar and not exactly on role that need for her to speak english and admitted she still strugles with the english language!!
IMO I think she speaks english but like with a very strong accent and a mistake here and there!! Leti doesn't go out that often without Felipe and he speaks very well and she is not doing the "Telediario"anymore!!
How much english does she needs to have casual conversation during a royal get together?? After all they all look to ended up all drunk dancing till the next morning??? No much coherent conversation to have or neither  able to use it!!

[dKaren]

Leti had covered the Presidential Election of Bush vs. Gore, she had stayed in DC for a month. I doubt she didn't speak basic English. Like Clara said, TV journalism is very competitive, the TV station could easily send someone else.
Felipe and his sisters had British nannies, not a surprise the same has been done for Leonor and Sofia. Having the British nannies from young will improve their English accent. The press had commented during the reception for the soccer team that both girls spoke English with ease, with British accent.

[Michelle]

Maybe Michelle Obama speaks Spanish ?  

Neither she or the president speaks spanish.

[TLLK]

Maybe Michelle Obama speaks Spanish ?  

Neither she or the president speaks spanish.

I wonder what language they  studied in high school?

[Michelle]

Maybe Michelle Obama speaks Spanish ?  

Neither she or the president speaks spanish.

I wonder what language they  studied in high school?

I have no idea.  Maybe french? 

[Little_star]

I have never met her, let alone tested her English level but every time I read she doesn't speak English I can't believe it. First of all, even if she didn't speak a word of English when she got married, she has been married for 6 years. That is more than enough time for her to reach an acceptable level of English as she would have access to the best teachers and her job is representing Spain. We've also seen her conversing with different royals and world leaders and I doubt every single one spoke Spanish. For example, this summer lunch with Michelle Obama. If she can't speak English that must have been a looong lunch.
Second, I can't believe that the most important TV channel in Spain sent a reporter to Iraq and USA who couldn't speak English. Three of my best friends are journalists. All of them speak English and French. One is doing a postgrade in England, the second one is taking some photography classes and the third one is studying in Belgium. The three of them are attractive and have interned in two of the most important newspapers in Spain, a very known radio and a local TV channel. I can't believe they are the only prepared journalists in Spain, some other reporter would have gotten those two jobs if Letizia couldn't hold a basic conversation in, at least, English.
Thank you Odette

Excellent post, Clara! 

I've always thought the rumours about her English had very little basis for the reasons you mentioned. Moreover, I've seen the odd video clip of her speaking English at TRF and she seemed perfectly comfortable.

[Cece]

But I think it's very probable Sofía learned greek from tutors and nannies and not from her family: her mother was German, she was sent to a German boarding school and spent part of her childhood in South Africa etc...

Sofia mostly learned Greek in Greece and from her Greek father and surroundings and that includes teachers (like with anyone, though). Frederiki also spoke Greek, but German to her children, from what I've heard. They only spent 3 years in South Africa (one in Egypt) where they were accompanied by their Scottish nanny who was the one in charge of teaching the children English. Sofia (and Irini, I think) was even a flower girl in that nanny's wedding. It is my understanding that Sofia and Tino were taught Greek studies by an expatriot while in SA. Also, Sofia studied at university in Athens.

What surprises me, is that even though English was spoken to Sofia and she in turn spoke to her children and that technically, they are all four fluent, their accents are so thick!

[dKaren]

Felipe only has a slight accent, so much better than most of the Spaniards (with the heavy Spanish accent) I met.