As the Madrid Book Fair commenced under the sweltering sun, the resilience of books was humorously noted by attendees, suggesting relief that they do not melt. The fair, heavily reliant on favorable weather, faced challenges as extreme heat prompted early closures. By 11 a.m., the atmosphere was charged with the anticipation of a royal presence, marked by bustling excitement and heightened security, albeit with limited entertainment.

Upon her arrival, Queen Letizia engaged with various dignitaries, including the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, and Madrid's Mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. The fair's novelty was underscored by the presence of a popular pancake chain, adding a unique culinary twist to the literary event.

Accompanied by Eva Orúe, the fair's director, Queen Letizia embarked on an inaugural tour, tightly monitored by royal security. Journalists from both celebrity and literary spheres navigated the crowded event, capturing the essence of 1,100 publishers and numerous bookstores housed in 365 stalls. Among the onlookers was Fabián Cercano, a republican from Tenerife, eagerly anticipating the Queen's arrival with a child-like enthusiasm.

The Queen's itinerary, far from spontaneous, was strategically curated. Orúe elaborates that proposals are made and then finalized with the royal household, often highlighting booths celebrating significant anniversaries. Notable visits included the editorial Páginas de Espuma, commemorating 25 years, where editor Juan Casamayor introduced the Queen to rising star Irene Reyes-Noguerol and her work, Alcaravea.

Celebrating 50 years, Rafael Alberti bookstore offered Queen Letizia a selection of distinguished titles, including La fortaleza / Los nuestros by Lucía Carballal, Hasta que empieza a brillar by Andrés Neumann, Futuro imperfecto by Xulia Alonso, and Elizabeth Taylor's Prohibido morir aquí. Lola Larumbe, the bookstore's exemplary librarian, remarked on the Queen's evident passion for reading.

Many booksellers attest to the Queen's stealthy visits to bookstores, where she remains unnoticed, likening her to a masterful spy. Her discreet shopping habits suggest a genuine love for literature, prompting visitors to remain vigilant lest they unknowingly encounter royalty.

At Círculo de Riza, editor Eva Serrano gifted the Queen No soy uno de los vuestros, featuring Jeosm's photographic journey through the literary world, alongside Santiago Isla's novel El hombre de mi vida, a depiction of affluent youth. Demipage presented Cartas a una joven poeta and Federico García Lorca's Poeta en Nueva York, reflecting the fair's thematic focus on global cities, particularly New York. Claudia Villanueva from Demipage noted the Queen's informed dialogue on independent publishing.

The fair's New York-centric theme carries political undertones, pre-dating Donald Trump's election victory. It highlights the defense of Spanish amidst increasing hostility in the U.S., evidenced by its absence from the White House's website. Dominican writer and musician Rita Indiana, despite her absence, echoes the cautionary advice from New York University regarding possible re-entry issues. The fair welcomed several New York-based Hispanics, including Eduardo Lago and Kirmen Uribe, alongside international authors like Vivian Gornick and Teju Cole.

Queen Letizia occasionally deviated from her set itinerary, engaging with the quirky Tipos Infames bookstore, recommending La piedra blanda by Rodrigo Cortés and Tomás Hijo. Her visit to the Indómitas mini-fair, showcasing avant-garde and underground publishers, was marked by Pepe Olona's gift of a Lorca self-portrait poster.

Children, unbound by formalities, eagerly pursued the Queen, seeking acknowledgment. Her journey concluded at the Children's Pavilion, where students from the FEM private school welcomed her with casual ease. Queen Letizia participated in illustrating the tale of Puss in Boots, tactfully avoiding comedic mishaps during activities that might lead to compromising photographs.

Thus, the 84th edition of the Madrid Book Fair was ceremoniously inaugurated, blending literary celebration with royal presence.