Queen Letizia of Spain in mourning after her grandfather dies aged 98

Missed: Francisco Rocasolano Camacho, known as Paco by his family, died in a Salamanca hospital last night, aged 98

Missed: Francisco Rocasolano Camacho, known as Paco by his family, died in a Salamanca hospital last night, aged 98

Queen Letizia of Spain’s grandfather has died at the age of 98, after being admitted to hospital last Saturday night.

Francisco Rocasolano Camacho, who was known as Paco by the family, died in hospital last night in the northwestern city of Salamanca, after suffering problems with breathing and his heart.

Queen Letizia, who was famously close to her grandfather, cancelled a scheduled appearance at today’s National Fashion Awards in Madrid.

Paco has stood by his granddaughter on a number of significant moments in her life, including her wedding to the now King Felipe VI, after which she became the Princess of Asturias.

He was also present for the births of Queen Letizia’s two daughters, Leonor and Sofia, and at the couple’s coronation in June 2014.

The father-of-two was a frequent presence at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid, the official residence of Spain’s royal family.

He once said of his granddaughter: ‘She is a very normal girl, very sweet and very smart.’

The Queen also lived with her grandparents for a while when she was a student at the Institute Ramiro de Maetzu in Madrid.

Letizia’s mother Paloma Rocasolano arrived at the Salamanca Univeristy Hospital on Sunday morning to be with her dying father, accompanied by Letizia’s sister, Telma Ortiz.

Paco worked for most of his life as a taxi driver in Madrid, before retiring in 1991.

He moved with his wife Enriqueta Rodriguez to the San Gabriel neighbourhood on the outskirts of Alicante, to spend his retirement living in the home of his daughter – and the Queen’s mother – Paloma.

He was taken to hospital last Saturday night with suspected heart and breathing difficulties when he began to feel unwell while resting. 

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Share Solemn procession: Now King Felipe, Letizia's mother Paloma Rocasolano, Princess Letizia and her grandfather Francisco Rocasolano attend the funeral for the Queen's younger sister Erika Ortiz on February 8, 2007

Solemn procession: Now King Felipe, Letizia's mother Paloma Rocasolano, Princess Letizia and her grandfather Francisco Rocasolano attend the funeral for the Queen's younger sister Erika Ortiz on February 8, 2007

Family loss: Princess Letizia's mother Paloma Rocasolano and grandfather Francisco Rocasolano are seen on January 7, 2014 in Madrid. Paloma arrived at the Salamanca hospital on Sunday to be with her dying father

Family loss: Princess Letizia's mother Paloma Rocasolano and grandfather Francisco Rocasolano are seen on January 7, 2014 in Madrid. Paloma arrived at the Salamanca hospital on Sunday to be with her dying father

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