After King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia formally asked Letizia's parents for her hand in marriage, the couple took a stroll around the palace gardens and then proceeded to talk to the press. There were about 350 accredited journalists from 12 countries.
Felipe:
The wedding, as you know, will take place at the end of spring or the beginning of summer. We still have to choose the date; so we don't want to make any announcements about the date to not cause any rumors.
In the meantime Letizia greets the press.
Felipe (at the question when they took the decision to get married):
Well, when did we decide it?
Letizia:
Some time ago.
Felipe:
It has sufficiently been long enough. What happened is, that we need... we needed some more time to prepare all this, but well, at least we had the confidence that the decision was taken.
Letizia:
And the conviction. It has been difficult [to be discrete] and more with my friends knowing about it. It has been difficult.
Letizia (about gifts):
It's a ring , I believe it is made of white gold, and here... (she shows the ring)
Felipe:
A modern design...
Letizia:
I don't know how to show my hand... this way...?
Felipe:
I got cuff-links made of sapphires and white gold.
Letizia:
...Yes, now I gave these...
Felipe:
Apart we also have other gifts that we will give to each other later, but we already told each other about them. I will give her a family piece of jewellery and ...
Letizia (interrupting him):
I gave him a literary gift, a beautiful book he had been searching for for a long time, from 1850 by Mariano José de Larra, a precious edition, with a chivalrous story from the 15th century [El doncel de don Enrique el Doliente]. Well, a book I wanted him to have.
Felipe:
It's a family piece of jewellery with pearls and sapphires. A necklace.
Felipe (about the future marriage):
Well, as I've already told you the other day, Monday, first of all it means... [asks for silence]... first of all it means the continuation, it allows the possibility of another link in the dynastic chain, that connects us with history. Apart from that it allows me to integrate a value, an active one, to my work and the representative function and to improve my work in the general interests of the Spanish people. And, personally, of course a tremendous support for its qualities and values. They are going to be fundamental and are going to be a big benefit.
Letizia (asked about her future professional plans and if she's going to accompany Felipe on his voyages):
Well, principally, since the announcement of the engagement and since today, the asking of the hand, it is clear that this is a point in the professional work I was exercising until now. What I wish, what we intend to do is that I'll slowly leave TVE, not immediately. And it's also clear that from now on and in a progressive way, I'm going to intigrate and dedicate myself to this new life, well, with the responsibilities and obligations that go with it and with the support and affection of...
Felipe wants to interfere.
Letizia:
... Let me finish...! the affection of the King and Queen and of course after the priceless example of the Queen.
Felipe:
She will have enough work to do and will have very busy days.
(Asked about the qualities of each other)
Felipe:
You're asking me first? Well, there are many, evidently in the eyes of many, but I believe, her eloquence and intelligence, her spirit of responsibility in her work, her courage, I believe all that has been very important. She has many principles, a rectitude and exemplary nature with her work, that has always impressed me and since I know her, much more.
Letizia:
Also before, eh? On my side, he is an exceptional human being, he is very respectful and sensitive, intelligent, a great speaker, which is very important for me. For a while, he has been interested in personal growth and to have a vision on the world that is very just and he is very dedicated to it.
Felipe:
I'm going to remind you of this, eh?
Letizia:
True.
Felipe (about descendants):
We can't say this for sure, but, well, the intention is, well, maybe more than two and less than five.
Letizia:
Hey!/Go on!
Felipe (Asked if they'll going to do their first voyage together to Asturia):
We don't know that yet, but of course Asturia will be a very important point on the calendar, I don't know when or how...
Letizia:
A greeting with lots of affection. I truly desire to go there. Because I went to the Príncipe of Asturias Awards, but I would like to return, of course.
Felipe (about how long they've known each other):
Well, the first time we met was a bit more than one year ago, but, well, it was a casual meeting without any consequences. It was during the spring that we started to have more contact and the relationship developed.
Felipe (asked if they have been together on Saturday when the Palace gave the notice he answered affirmative. So the journalist went on asking if they´ve been in Spain or abroad):
We have been outside of Madrid. If you want to know, we are going there now ...
Letizia:
Now I understand the participants of press conferences, now I understand them.
Felipe:
Well, but now the shoe is on the other foot.
Letizia:
No, no, but now it's getting expensive.
They say goodbye.
Felipe:
Thank to all of you and we expect that the next 6 months, 8 months or how many there will going to be, will be ... magical
Letizia:
Thanks, Thanks very much.
(dialogue translation courtesy of nettyroyal.nl)
