In 2007 the couple separated and the divorce occurred in 2009 and was registered in 2010. At that time Jaime de Marichalar was no longer an official member of the Spanish Royal Family and was not permitted to use the ducal title. Elena has participated in many official events. She has traveled to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Peru, Argentina, and the Philippines while representing the Royal Family. Elena is third in the line of succession to the Spanish throne.