Queen Letizia's Palaces Might Be Even More Glamorous Than Her Fashion

The official residence of the king and queen is the Zarzuela Palace, which is located in the El Pardo Complex just outside Madrid. For a building filled with historic riches, it has humble origins and was named after the brambles – zarzas – which grew over the land it was built on. Originally a rectangular hunting lodge, the palace was modified and elaborated upon by King Carlos IV during his reign between 1788 and 1808.

The palace was restored in the 1950s after suffering extensive damage during the Spanish Civil War, and King Felipe's parents King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia (pictured with Queen Letizia) moved in after their wedding in 1962. Although King Juan Carlos abdicated in 2014, the couple still live there. The main floor is the domain of King Felipe and Queen Letizia and contains reception rooms, a library, dining room, and King Felipe's office. The most-used room is the Audience Room, where both Felipe and Letizia receive guests and host meetings.

King Carlos IV not only had the palace extensively remodeled but he furnished it with porcelain, works of art, and a collection of clocks — many of which are still on display today.

In a shot of the king delivering his Christmas message, we got a glimpse of the second floor of the palace, which is sumptuous in its rich fabrics and deep red and cream color scheme, whilst maintaining a relatively simple look – for a royal residence — with unfussy drapes, lamps, and furniture.

While the offical side of their lives is all about the Zarzuela Palace, when it comes to time spent behind closed doors, Felipe, Letizia, and their family spend their time in the separate wing of the palace known as The Prince's Pavilion. The home was built for Felipe in 1999 when he was the Prince of Asturias, and has 11 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, offices, a meeting room, and a swimming pool.

The couple has opted for subtly stylish decor incorporating a palette of neutral tones, wooden floors, tonal rugs, contemporary art, and luxe touches in the family space with shimmery iridescent beige floor-length drapes.

The family likes making the most of the Spanish sun and do much of their entartaining outdoors – as was the case when they received a visit from then-first lady Michelle Obama. The gardens feature plenty of al fresco seating, comfy day-beds piled with pillows, and a swing set for the girls.

The home was built in 1925 and owned by the Greek-Egyptian painter John Saridakis and originally named the Saridakis Palace, but after his death it was passed to the Royal Family in 1975 and renamed The Marivent Palace – the Sea and Wind Palace.

The family has often had distinguished guests to stay, and in the 1980s, Summer regulars were Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Harry.