Royal Watch News

Queen Sofia demand Ryanair apology

Jun 8, 2009, 11:21 GMT

Spain's Queen Sofia was furious after her image was used to advertise a budget airline.

Ryanair used a picture of Sofia - who is married to King Juan Carlos - in their advertisements after she took a £13 flight from Spain to London to see her brother.

However, the airline failed to ask for permission and Spanish royal residence La Zarzuela demanded an apology.

La Zarzuela said: "Whenever possible the royals use Spanish airlines, but in this case Ryanair was the most suitable option for the journey. It is the first time they have chosen to use Ryanair."

The airline has since apologised and promised to donate £4,400 to a charity of Sofia's choice.

The Spanish royals - with the exception of the king, who travels on military flights - often use scheduled airlines to fly on international business and around Spain.

It is not the first time the Irish airline has got into trouble by using images of famous people without their permission.

Last year, it was forced to pay a fine of £70,000 to France's President Sarkozy of France and his wife Carla Bruni for using their images under the slogan: "With Ryanair all my family can come to my wedding."