Despite being the Queen of Spain‘s mother, Paloma Rocasolano is known for being ‘very discreet’.
So, perhaps it’s no wonder that the retired nurse’s romance with British businessman Marcus Brandler, 68, has largely gone under-the-radar in the UK.
The 72-year-old struck up a relationship with the Nigerian-born entrepreneur in 2021 and Letizia and her sister Telma ‘warmly welcomed him’, according to local media reports.
Marcus has long been associated with Spain after previously marrying a Catalan woman from Banyoles in 1991. They went on to have three sons, Maximilian (1991), Joachim (1993), and Benjamin (1996).
He first settled in Barcelona before moving to Madrid, where he worked alongside his two UK-based brothers as the director of their family company, which was founded in Leeds 15 years ago and focused on the sale of coffee, tea, cocoa and other spices.
The jet-setting businessman frequently dealt with companies in Asia, ‘having had several companies dedicated to import and export’, according to magazine Semana.
But his family firm, Tillbrook, hit headlines this month after being dissolved following the passing of Robert Guy Mobolaji Brandler, the youngest of Marcus’ four siblings. He died aged 53 in Kano, Nigeria, after a brief but serious illness, reported Vanitatis.
The newspaper claimed the business move shows Marcus – who had reportedly been living between the UK and Spain for years – is ‘paving the way for retirement’ as he enjoys a quieter life with King Felipe’s mother-in-law.
Despite being the Queen of Spain ‘s mother, Paloma Rocasolano is known for being ‘very discreet’. So, perhaps it’s no wonder that the retired nurse’s romance with British businessman Marcus Brandler (pictured together in 2021 in Madrid), 68, has largely gone under-the-radar in the UK
Paloma and Marcus first went public together at the annual Princess of Asturias Awards in 2022 – and the businessman has since enjoyed dinners at the Palace of Zarzuela in Madrid.
Their romance was further cemented when Paloma moved from the Spanish capital last summer to be with her partner in the wealthy and modern village of Los Belones in Murcia, which is known for its sizeable English community and relaxed beaches.
The couple have apparently settled into the local community, enjoying visits to the town centre and relaxing at the beach.
Their relationship was discovered in 2021 by magazine Semana, and seems to have only gone from strength to strength, with Marcus organising a surprise 70th birthday party for his partner. Paloma’s whole family apparently attended.
Born in 1957 in Ibadan to British-African couple J.L. Brandler and Pamela Margaret, Marcus was one of five siblings.
He had been director of Tillbrook Products since 2019, after taking over the role from a family member, according to local reports.
But the partners, all Brandler family members, began liquidating the firm in 2023 and last February it was finally dissolved, reported Ok Diario. Marcus’ name no longer appears on any company, according to Vanitatis.
The last recorded activity of the firm – which was said to still be making a profit – was reportedly in June 2023, when they presented their full accounts.
Marcus (pictured) has long been associated with Spain after previously marrying a Catalan woman from Banyoles in 1991. They went on to have three sons, Maximilian (1991), Joachim (1993), and Benjamin (1996)
Paloma largely tries to stay out of the spotlight – however she does attend some Royal Family gatherings, including her granddaughter Infanta Sofia’s confirmation on May 25, 2023 (pictured with Letizia and Sofia)
Debts were completely settled, all its assets were sold and profits were split between the two brothers, according to E-notícies.cat.
Meanwhile, Paloma, who was previously married to Letizia’s father Jesús Ortiz, is known for her discretion.
For instance, her hairstylist María José Pérez Bolumar told Lecturas that King Felipe’s mother-in-law is ‘simple, kind, and very discreet’.
Paloma largely tries to stay out of the spotlight – however she does attend some Royal Family gatherings, including her granddaughter Infanta Sofia’s confirmation on May 25, 2023.