La Reina Letizia Says Farewell to Raúl del Pozo at the Casa de la Villa
Honoring a Legendary Journalist
Raúl Del Pozo, born in Cuenca and a recipient of Madrid’s Medalla de Honor, passed away at the age of 89. His departure was marked with the highest honors in Madrid, a city he lived in, portrayed, and enriched. This past Wednesday, the journalist, writer, and master of both trades received a heartfelt farewell at the Patio de Cristales of the Casa de la Villa. In a touching display of solidarity, Queen Letizia, a former journalist herself, paid her respects by spending time with Del Pozo’s family and engaging with his colleagues from EL MUNDO.
A Gathering of Notable Figures
Alongside Queen Letizia, numerous influential figures attended the wake, including Pedro Rollán, President of the Senate; Margarita Robles, Minister of Defense; Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid; José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid; and Alberto Núñez Feijóo, President of the Popular Party. Members of Del Pozo’s family, including his siblings Angelines and Augusto, greeted the crowd of admirers eager to pay tribute to a personality that undoubtedly shaped Spanish journalism for decades.
The Atmosphere of Remembrance
Adorning the space were two notable pieces of art: a bust of Julián Besteiro welcoming guests into the Patio de Cristales, and a portrait of Alfonso XIII presiding over the adjoining room where friends signed the condolence book. Many of Spain’s leading journalists passed through this evocative setting, reflecting on a career that encapsulated both tradition and modernity.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
Among the first to arrive were Carmen Rigalt, Del Pozo’s former colleague, Arturo Pérez-Reverte, and Antonio Lucas. The event also saw attendance from his last editor, Joaquín Manso, and predecessors like Casimiro García-Abadillo and Pedro J. Ramírez. Colleagues from various media outlets, including Onda Cero and Pueblo, came to show their respect. Notable figures from Unidad Editorial, which publishes EL MUNDO, were also present, reinforcing the impact of Del Pozo’s work.
Condolences from Political Leaders
Political figures expressed their condolences at the event. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, President of the Popular Party, praised Del Pozo as an outstanding journalist and columnist, who skillfully blended journalism and literature. “It is challenging to grasp the Transition and journalism over the last few decades without Raúl Del Pozo,” he noted. José Luis Martínez-Almeida, the Mayor of Madrid, described him as an “extraordinary” figure, emphasizing his role as a great chronicler of Madrid.
A Legacy Marked by Affection
The wake was also adorned with floral tributes, including a bouquet from the Francisco Umbral Foundation, another notable figure in Spanish journalism and a longtime friend. Attendees noted that the weight of the moment was palpable, with copies of EL MUNDO featuring Del Pozo’s portrait stacked alongside the venue.
The farewell to Raúl Del Pozo was not just a goodbye to a journalist; it was a celebration of a life dedicated to words, truth, and the art of storytelling. As Madrid bids farewell, the impact of his legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate through the corridors of journalism for years to come.