The King and Queen of Spain are currently on a three-day State Visit to The Netherlands. Concluding their second day in the Dutch capital, Their Majesties attended a state banquet in their honor, hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.
Also in attendance were Dutch Princess Margriet, Dutch Crown Princess Amalia, and Dutch Princess Beatrix, who joined Their Majesties to pose for the official photo prior to the gala dinner.
The kings and queens welcomed guests in the Throne Room before proceeding to the Citizens' Hall of the Palace to commence the banquet.
For those who may be curious, Queen Letizia experienced difficulty standing during the greetings before the dinner and remained seated, due to her ongoing battle with chronic metatarsalgia—a condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot.
This evening, the Spanish queen dazzled in a custom sapphire blue gown from The 2nd Skin Co.
The silhouette showcases the label's 'Suraia' design, featuring a crew neckline and Japanese sleeves adorned with small mikado bows on the cuffs. The voluminous skirt is elegantly finished with a subtle train.
Queen Letizia adorned the Diamond Loop Tiara, an exquisite diadem with its intricate looped design tracing its origins back to 1879 when it was bestowed as a wedding gift upon Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria upon her marriage to King Alfonso XII of Spain.
She complemented the tiara with joyas de pasar pieces including the large chaton diamond earrings. Pinned to her sash was Queen Victoria Eugenia’s Grey Pearl Brooch.
During this State Visit, Her Majesty was honored with the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau, a distinction that is elegantly reflected in the adornment of her sash and badges.
To complete the ensemble, Queen Letizia wore a new pair of navy Martinelli x Redondo Brand 'Monroe' Platform Sandals (£220).
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The King and Queen of Spain are currently on a State Visit to Sweden between the 23rd-25th November. Concluding their second day in the Swedish capital, Their Majesties attended a gala dinner in their honour, hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden at the Royal Palace in Stockholm.
They were accompanied by Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Daniel, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia.
Other guests included a representation of the Spanish delegation, representatives of the Swedish Parliament, the Swedish Government and other authorities, as well as representatives of the scientific, cultural and business world.
A video of the arrivals and speeches is available to watch on YouTube.
Queen Letizia gave a sartorial nod to her hosts by wearing a gown by Swedish giant, H&M.
The £229.99 tulle ball dress in dark blue was part of the fashion retailer's Spring 2020 Conscious Exclusive collection.
Crown Princess Victoria has a custom version of the gown which she wore for her 10th wedding anniversary portraits in 2020.
Tonight, Her Majesty was decorated with The Order of the Seraphim, the most outstanding distinction in Sweden.
Also on her light blue sash was a familiar diamond brooch originating from the Ansorena Fleur de Lys tiara.
Letizia carried her custom metallic gold Magrit 'Alice' clutch.
She topped off her regal look with joyas de pasar jewels including the "La Buena" Fleur de Lys tiara, diamond chanton earrings, and stacked diamond bracelets.
The King and Queen of Spain hosted a gala dinner on Tuesday eveing in honour of the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and his daughter Laura Mattarella, who are on a two day State Visit to Spain, at the Royal Palace of Madrid.
In the Throne Room, Their Majesties, President Sergio Mattarella, and Laura Mattarella received greetings from the attending Spanish and Italian authorities and guests.
A video of the arrivals:
Before dinner, King Felipe VI concluded his speech stating "I am sure that the future of an integrated Europe will depend on Italy and Spain fulfilling the commitments assumed in the framework of the Next Generation EU; in order to guarantee both a clear economic and social benefit for our citizens, as well as to make possible the continuity of the Europe we want.”
Her Majesty premiered an understated black floor length gown from the Italian fashion house of Giorgio Armani.
Featuring a subtle sweetheart neckline and thick shoulder straps, she offset the simplicity of the gown with some spectacular jewelry!
Queen Letizia brought out the Queen Maria Christina’s Loop Tiara which she first wore in 2018. The diadem is made of diamonds and pearls and set in platinum, and reportedly made by Cartier. This hefty tiara was a wedding present to Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria for her wedding to King Alfonso XII of Spain in 1879.
She teamed the diadem with a pair of small diamond stud earrings, and a diamond collet necklace and bracelet from Queen Victoria Eugenia's personal collection. Queen Letizia first wore this demi-parure for the enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito in October 2019.
She wore her newly-acquired sash of the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Pinned to the sash was the 'joyas de pasar' pearl and diamond brooch which Queen Letizia first wore for the 2019 Pascua Militar.
Casa Real released a series of ten new official portraits of the Spanish royal family on Monday.
In the photos dubbed "The Gala King and Queen" His Majesty King Felipe VI wore the uniform of the Capitán General del Ejército de Tierra.
Queen Letizia wore her fuchsia pink Carolina Herrera floral embroidered gown decorated with the blue and white sash of the Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III. The gown was first seen at the gala dinner celebrating the enthronement of Japanese Emperor Naruhito last October.
Her Majesty donned the Fleur de Lys tiara, a diadem exclusively reserved for Spanish queens. It is the most prominent tiara that the Spanish royal family possesses and it is affectionately named the "La Buena," or "The Good One" by the royal family.
Letizia complemented the tiara with the joyas de pasar diamond earrings and bracelets.
On her sash was pinned the fleur de lys diamond brooch which originates from the centrepiece of her "Princess" tiara.
In the only family portrait of the series, Queen Letizia wore her red Carolina Herrera piped sheath dress which she debuted on a visit to Covadonga in September 2018.
She premiered the same design in blue for the portrait below.
The photographs were taken by Estela de Castro at the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Palace of Zarzuela. The use of natural light is the main element that characterizes Ms. Castro's professional work in her photographic portraits.
The new portraits will be officially distributed through the National Heritage website (www.patrimonionacional.es).
Following today's enthronement ceremony, the King and Queen of Spain attended a gala dinner hosted by the newly acceded Japanese Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The event was attended by royals and dignitaries from around the world.
Queen Letizia premiered a fuchsia pink gown from her go-to fashion designer Carolina Herrera. The bespoke creation features white floral embroidery on its bodice which cascade midway down the skirt.
She carried a new clutch also by the Carolina Herrera fashion house. It is the label's 'Scala Insignia' clutch (£410) handcrafted in satin and detailed with a distinctive ruthenium plated clasp replicating House of Herrera's 35th anniversary bracelet encircling a stone.
It came as no surprise that we saw "The Good One" this evening. Her Majesty donned the Fleur de Lys tiara, a diadem exclusively reserved for Spanish queens. It is the most prominent tiara that the Spanish royal family possesses and it is affectionately named the "La Buena," or "The Good One" by the royal family.
Made in 1906 by the Spanish court jeweler Ansorena, the Fleur de Lys tiara was a wedding gift from King Alfonso XIII to Queen Victoria Eugenia (Ena). The all-diamond tiara features three large fleur de lys motifs - the symbol of Spain's reigning family, the House of Bourbon. The motifs are connected by swirls and scrolls and set in platinum. Queen Letizia first wore it in February 2017 to the gala dinner for the President of Argentina.
Letizia again complemented the tiara with the joyas de pasar diamond earrings. On her sash was pinned the fleur de lys diamond brooch which originates from the centrepiece of her "Princess" tiara.
Like earlier today, Her Majesty was decorated with the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown which she was awarded during the Japanese state visit in 2017 by Emperor Akihito.
On Wednesday evening, King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia held a gala dinner in honour of the President of Peru and First Lady, who are on a State visit to Spain. This followed on from the official welcome and luncheon held earlier in the day.
Their Majesties arrive and welcome their guests at the Royal Palace of Madrid.
A look at the elegant setting.
Queen Letizia resembled a fairytale princess in a voluminous Felipe Varela tulle gown which she first wore in 2011 for the pre-wedding dinner on the eve of Prince William's wedding to Kate Middleton.
Here's a look back at Letizia arriving at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London for the pre-wedding dinner.
Tonight, Queen Letizia complemented her regal style with the Mellerio Floral Tiara, a piece she has donned on many occasions, and was arguably her favorite when she was the Princess of Asturias.
The tiara is made of diamonds set in gold and silver floral motifs, and is the property of her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia. She also wore her "wedding" earrings - a gift from her parents-in-law, and "joyas de pasar" diamond bracelet.
The purple sash and medals are the Order of Merit for Distinguished Service Peru.
FASHION FLASHBACK
This was the eighth State Visit of a foreign Head of State to Spain since Felipe and Letizia became monarchs in June 2014. Below is a look back at Letizia's regal garb for the gala banquets. Do you have a favourite?
On Monday evening King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia held a gala dinner at the Royal Palace of Madrid for the President of Israel and his wife who are on a State visit to Spain.
The State banquet was also attended by representatives of government, business leaders, cultural ambassadors and the media from both countries.
Queen Letizia wore a mix of familiar pieces to create a stately ensemble.
She dug deep into her closet to revive a black and white patterned mermaid skirt by Lorenzo Caprile. Letizia first wore the piece for an official trip to New York in 2004. Tonight she teamed the skirt with a black bustier style top also by the Spanish designer. The last time she combined these separates was in 2006 at the Silver Wedding Anniversary celebrations for the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg.
Letizia elevated the look with some of her favorite royal jewels including Queen Sofia's "Mellerio Floral" tiara, and the joyas de pasar diamond bracelets stacked on one arm for maximum glitz. She also wore the diamond cluster and pearl drop earrings from the royal vault. Her Majesty donned the Order of Carlos III sash pinned with a diamond Fleur de lys brooch originating from the centerpiece of her "Princess" tiara.
This was the fifth State Visit of a foreign President to Spain in the three plus years that Felipe and Letizia have been on the Throne. Below are the past looks of Letizia at these gala banquets. Do you have a favourite?
We are only a day away from the most anticipated State Visit of the year! King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain will arrive in the United Kingdom on the evening of 11 July with the official visit running from 12 - 14 July.
It will be a low-key start to the tour as the Spanish Monarchs land at Luton Airport where they will be greeted by the Viscount Brookeborough, Lord-in-Waiting. We can expect Queen Letizia to wear a modest outfit befitting the subtle start to the visit, much like her arrival in Japan and Mexico. Here's a look back at some of her recent State Visit arrivals:
On Wednesday evening, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will roll out the red carpet for a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in honour of the visiting Spanish Monarchs - an event guaranteed to bring out the best of the royal jewels!
Queen Letizia has a suite of tiaras to choose from and below we list the tiaras she has worn in the past and the ones Her Majesty may consider for the State Banquet.
The Prussian Diamond Tiara
Coined the "starter tiara" by the Order of Splendor blog, the Prussian Diamond Tiara was Letizia's choice on her wedding day and for some of her first gala events as the Princess of Asturias. The tiara is from Queen Sofia's mother, Frederika and was also worn by Sofia for her wedding.
The Mellerio Shell Tiara
This tiara, created by the famed jeweler Mellerio in 1867, is known as the Shell tiara for its shape and pearls. Letizia has only worn it once, on the occasion of the Gala Dinner in honour of the visiting President of The Philippines on December 3, 2007.
Mellerio Floral Tiara
The Mellerio Floral Tiara is one of Letizia's favourites. She has worn it on many occasions both as the Princess of Asturias and now as Queen consort. The royal headpiece is made of diamonds set in gold and silver floral motifs, and is the property of her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia.
The Ansorena Princess Fleur de Lys Tiara
This tiara was reportedly a gift from Felipe to Letizia on the occasion of their 5th wedding anniversary in 2009. However, we had to wait until 2015 for its debut! Also dubbed the "Princess" Tiara - the piece features 450 diamonds, ten Australian pearls, and 3000 gemstones.
The Fleur de Lys Tiara
The Fleur de Lys tiara is a diadem exclusively reserved for Queens of Spain, and Letizia finally wore it for the first time at a gala dinner for the visiting President of Argentina and his wife in February this year. The headpiece is the most prominent tiara that the Spanish royal family possesses. It is affectionately named the "La Buena," or "The Good One" by the royal family. It has a connection to the British Royal family because it belonged to Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain who was a grandchild of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.
There are currently two other significant tiara's Letizia has never worn which are possible contenders for the State Banquet. She may choose to don the Cartier Diamond and Pearl Tiara because it too has a historical connection to the British Royal Family via Queen Victoria Eugenie of Spain.
The other hefty diadem is the Maria Christina Cartier Loop Tiara, which was a wedding present to Archduchess Maria Christina of Austria for her marriage to King Alfonso XII of Spain in 1879.
I found photo montages on Getty Images of what these two stunners may look like on Letizia.
VOTE!
Cast your vote below for the tiara you would like to see Queen Letizia wear for the State Banquet. Should she stick to something familiar or do you think she should add another Spanish diadem to her rotation?
Royals and dignitaries from across Europe converged at the Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen on Wednesday evening to celebrate the 75th birthday of Denmark's Queen Margrethe.
The King and Queen of Spain were part of a prestigious guest list at the gala event in the Danish capital.
Queen Margrethe's son and heir, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and his glamorous wife Princess Mary were of course in attendance at the royal birthday dinner.
Prince Federick was also joined by his younger brother Prince Joachim and wife, Princess Marie.
Other notable guests included King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife Queen Maxima:
King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde of Belgium:
King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden:
The crowned heads of Europe sat together at the banquet.
Whilst most of the female guests wore solid-coloured gowns, Queen Letizia opted for something a little more contrasting, choosing a sleeveless, white tulle dress featuring embroidered black flowers. The monochrome gown is a bespoke creation from her designer of choice, Felipe Varela.
Letizia added a touch of Spanish flamenco styling with a tonal black Manila shawl, and kept her accessories in the same tone, carrying a black clutch and wearing Magrit black peep-toe heels.
The shawl wrap is not new and the earliest photo I could find of it dates back to October 2004, when Letizia attended a gala dinner in New York:
Now let's take a look at Queen Letizia's jewellery.
Her Majesty debuted the Ansorena Fleur de Lys tiara, also dubbed the "Princess" Tiara. The piece features 450 diamonds, ten Australian pearls, and 3000 gemstones. Although this is not a new piece, it is the first occasion Letizia has donned this sparkly headpiece.
The central fleur-de-lis element of the piece is detachable and can be worn as a brooch, and Letizia has only ever worn that piece of the larger tiara, usually as a brooch to secure the sash of one of her orders.
In 2009 it was reported that the then Prince Felipe commissioned Ansorena to design a tiara for a fifth wedding anniversary present for his wife. Ansorena created a piece that is a junior version of the hefty Fleur de Lis tiara which they made over 100 years ago and is reserved for the Queens of Spain.
There was another surprising piece of jewelry worn by Letizia tonight. We saw the return of her Bvlgari Parenthesis ring, made of 18 carat white gold and pavé diamonds. It was reportedly a gift from the Italian jeweler to mark the birth of Felipe and Letizia's second child, Infanta Sofía. This is the first occasion Letizia has worn a ring since she became Queen in June last year.
Queen Letizia also wore her Cartier art deco white gold and diamond bracelet. She pinned her sash with a beautiful diamond brooch and complimented her tiara by wearing the Australian diamond and pearl drop earrings.
There's no denying that everybody looked glamorous tonight and wore their finest to toast the sovereign of the Danes!
SHOP QUEEN LETIZIA'S STYLE FOR LESS ...
On Monday evening, King Felipe & Queen Letizia held a gala dinner at the Royal Palace of Madrid for the President of Colombia and his wife, who are on an official visit to Spain.
Their were no wardrobe surprises from Queen Letizia at tonight's banquet. She wore her pearl grey Felipe Varela gown featuring a lace overlay adorned with thousands of tiny crystals. She teamed it with colour-coordinated accessories from Magrit.
She last wore this ensemble in April 2013 at the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands.
Tonight, Her Majesty wore the Order of Merit Grand Cross sash (Colombia) with a diamond brooch which is originates from the centerpiece of the "Princess" tiara.
Tonight she opted to wear the the Mellerio Floral Tiara, a piece she has donned on many occasions as Princess of Asturias. She also wore it to her first gala as Queen. The tiara is made of diamonds set in gold and silver floral motifs, and is the property of her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia. She complimented the headpiece with her diamond 'wedding earrings'.
While I always hope to see Letizia in a new outfit, I was not disappointed she repeated this exquisite gown. It deserved another spot in the limelight!
SHOP QUEEN LETIZIA'S STYLE FOR LESS ...
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