Nieves, from Bilbao, left her violent husband, but does not receive any maintenance for the children, and has been living in a flat owned by her former parents-in-law.

Even though the man's parents have three other properties, they started eviction proceedings so that their son could live in the house instead.

The grandparents have not seen their grandchildren in four years, and the children's father has a three-year injunction preventing him from contacting his ex-wife.

Nieves' children are in counselling and they are now facing a life on the street.

But when Princess Letizia attended a soup kitchen as part of her official duties, Nieves managed to speak to her and tell her about her case.

Within days, a letter arrived from the Royal household to say the Princess of Asturias had contacted the ministry of justice to tell them about Nieves' plight.

Although the ministry cannot interfere with the legal proceedings, it may have some bearing over the outcome and help Nieves in her fight to either keep the family home or be granted council housing at a reduced rent.