It is two years since she became a retired Queen, after his son became King Felipe VI and after nearly 39 years on the throne with King Juan Carlos I. I admire her and in fact, she remains one of the most valued royals by most Spaniards.

Since then Sofia doesn't appear to be bored. Now that she is free from the obligation to attend official events, she can devote her agenda to the things she really enjoys, especially charity ard artistic events. At her home, Greece, she specialized in childcare, music and archeology. Also she is keen in sports and love animals. And she speaks six languages.

But the mother of Felipe VI is definitely and old fashioned queen, brought up to live in exclusive aristocratic circles and very concerned about maintaning an extreme level of discretion. Her best friends are her cousin, Princess Tatiana Radziwill and her sister Irene, a free spirit who spends a great deal of time in India working with NGIs and has her own room in the Palace of Zarzuela, where the monarchs live. With her, Sofia escapes to Athens from time to time, where she feels free and at home.

But above many things Sofia is well known for being a passionate grandmother to her eight grandchildren. 

And although some magazines have claimed the monarchs were about to divorce, the reality is that they both live their own lives and are letting Felipe and Letizia take center stage.

So your Majesty, I wish you a very Happy Birthday and a very happy rest of your life and thanks very much for being such a great Queen for us.