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Queen Letizia slips into comfy mules for Congress of Rare Diseases

26/4/2018

The Queen of Spain attended the 5th Educational Congress of Rare Diseases today which took place at the secondary school Pedro de Valdivia in the town of Villanueva de la Serena.

Queen Letizia attends 5th Educational Congress of Rare Diseases 2018

Image source: @casareal (Twitter)

The meeting was organised by the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases (FEDER) of which Her Majesty is honorary president.

Image source: @casareal (Twitter)

After the conference, Queen Letizia stopped by a few classrooms to meet some of the high school students.

Image source: @casareal (Twitter)

Following a week of pastel hues and elegant dresses, it was back to contemporary styling for the Spanish queen today. Letizia repeated a look she premiered last May for the FameLab International competition.

It consists of a white Massimo Dutti textured weave gilet teamed with black leather leggings.

She extended the modern styling to her footwear today, ditching her usual stiletto high-heels for a new pair of Adolfo Domínguez’s Mule Slippers. The loafer style slip-ons are made from bovine leather upper and are available €136/US$249.

Queen Letizia wears Adolfo Domínguez Mule Slippers.

Letizia carried a new bucket style handbag today. It appears to be decorated with tonal flower, leaf and pom pom appliques. I have been unable to identify so please drop me a line if you recognise it!

ID UPDATE (8 Jul 2018): The bag is an old season peice by Zara. Thanks to Edith for sending me a hint in the comments!

She finished the look with her beloved Gold & Roses Double Dagger Earrings (€2,125).

The casual sophistication of today's outfit is inconsistent with Letizia's previous sartorial choices for this annual event which have been more refined and elegant. What did you think of this year's contemporary look?

2016

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2018

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Queen Letizia is a picture of Springtime perfection for lunch with Mexican President and First Lady

25/4/2018

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King Felipe and Queen Letizia welcomed the President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, and First Lady Angélica Rivera at their home today in the Palace of Zarzuela.

Image source: casareal.es

Their Majesties hosted a luncheon for the couple in honour of their official visit to Spain.

Image source: casareal.es

Letizia looked a picture of Springtime perfection in a new floral patterned coat by American-Venezuelan designer Carolina Herrera.

Image source: casareal.es

The pastel pink coat features a shirt-style club collar and double-breasted bodice. The piece is from the designer's Pre-Fall 2018 collection which also has a couple of dresses with the same 'orchid' pattern. The approximate retail price is US$4,290.

Carolina Herrera Pink Orchid Print Coat Pre-Fall 2018 collection

Carolina Herrera Pink Orchid Print Dresses Pre-Fall 2018 collection

We saw the return of the green stone encrusted statement ring which complemented Letizia's new green reptile skin clutch bag.

Image source: Jose Gegundez

It is reportedly the 'Letizia' model from the brand Lidia Faro as stated on their Instagram page. However, I am not convinced. Firstly I don't see any twist lock hardware on the front of the bag which is a prime feature of Lidia Faro's 'Letizia' model. I believe the bag Letizia is carrying has a snap button closure which I've circled below. Furthermore the flap of the green clutch has a double stitch trim whereas no bags by Lidia Faro have this detail. I rest my case until proven otherwise!

Letizia teamed the ensemble with her pink LODI 'Vela' suede pumps.

She finished the look with her Coolook 'Sarin' earrings featuring aventurine quartz and pink quartz stones.

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No sartorial surprises for Cervantes Award ceremony

23/4/2018

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The King and Queen of Spain attended the prestigious 'Miguel de Cervantes' Award ceremony on Monday. The annual event is held at the University of Alcalá in the town of Alcalá de Henares - the birthplace of Spain's greatest writer, Miguel de Cervantes who is best known for his masterpiece, Don Quixote.

Image source: casareal.es

The prize is one of the most regarded literary awards in Spain and Latin America, and is granted annually to honour the lifetime achievement of an eminent writer in the Spanish language. This year, the Cervantes 2017 Prize was awarded to the Nicaraguan writer Sergio Ramírez.

Image source: casareal.es

Queen Letizia looked pretty in pink today wearing a bespoke Felipe Varela creation. Her Majesty first wore the coordinating dress and brocade trimmed topper for a ceremonial flag presentation in June 2016.

She again accessorized the ensemble with her much loved Yanes flower blossom stud earrings.

Letizia complemented the set with her tonal pink Felipe Valera suede clutch and nude LODI 'Saray' leather pumps.

Today's sartorial decision to opt for a Felipe Verela repeat is consistent with previous years. Here's a look back at her past looks for this annual ceremony since she become Queen consort. What did you think of this year's outfit?

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2016

2017

I'll conclude with some lighthearted moments from the event.

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It's a royal recycle for 'Miguel de Cervantes' awards luncheon

20/4/2018

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The King and Queen of Spain hosted the pre-ceremony lunch of the 'Miguel de Cervantes' award today.

Held at the Royal Palace of Madrid, the lunch brings together authorities, academics, editors, critics, teachers, booksellers and writers to honor the award-winner on the eve of the ceremony of delivery, which will take place at the University of Alcalá.

Image source: casareal.es

Queen Letizia looked elegant in her mint green creation by Felipe Varela. Her Majesty debuted the coordinating dress and guipure lace topper at Infanta Sofia's First Communion in 2017.

She again accessorized the ensemble with her diamond cluster drop earrings. We first saw the earrings in October 2014 for the opening night of the Prince of Asturias Awards. Their provenance remains unknown.

Today Letizia released a new clutch bag and matching cross strap suede pumps in a complementary mint hue. The bespoke pieces are from her go-to accessories brand, Magrit. The cross-strap pumps are modelled on Magrit's 'Laura' style (US$353).

Magrit mint suede flap clutch with studded trim

Magrit 'Laura' cross-strap pumps in mint suede

Today's sartorial decision to opt for a repeat is consistent with previous years. Here's a look back at Letizia's past looks for this annual luncheon since she become Queen consort. What did you think of this year's outfit?

2015 - Felipe Varela

2016 - Carolina Herrera

2017 - Felipe Varela

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Queen Letizia Presents Children's Literary Awards

18/4/2018

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Queen Letizia was on hand this evening to present two Spanish children/youth literature awards, “El Barco de Vapor” and “Gran Angular.”

Image source: casareal.es

The annual awards in Madrid are organised by the SM Foundation whose goal is to promote youth-focused books and reading.

Image source: casareal.es

Her Majesty brought back the black Hugo Boss 'Duxida' tuxedo jumpsuit for the occasion, which she debuted in Paris at the 2016 World Cancer Congress in October 2016.

Queen Letizia contrasted the one-piece with a petrol blue suede bag and matching shoes.

The new pieces are from her go-to accessories designer, Magrit. They are the Spanish brand's 'Cloe' studded clutch (US$372) and 'Cristina' pointed-toe mules (US$396).

Magrit Cristina blue suede pointed-toe mules

Letizia finished the look with her exquisite aquamarine teardrop earrings which where a gift from the Italian jewelry house Bvlgari following the birth of Letizia's first daughter, Leonor.

Queen Letizia's ensemble today was consistent with her recent adoption of edgier styles for this annual awards ceremony. Do you have a favorite?

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Queen Letizia airs feathered Carolina Herrera separates for Portuguese reception

17/4/2018

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On Tuesday evening the Portuguese President reciprocated last night's gala dinner by hosting a reception at the Royal Palace of El Pardo, his official residence during his State visit to Spain.

The cocktail reception was modest compared to last night's stately banquet, but Queen Letizia still dazzled in a black feathered set by Carolina Herrera.

Embed from Getty Images

You may recall she first wore the separates at a dinner celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Spanish newspaper Expansión in February last year.

The set from the designer's Pre-Fall 2015 collection features a black silk mikado cropped top with feather and bead applique on the elbow-length sleeves, and a matching pencil skirt with a feathered front.

Carolina Herrera Feather Embroidered Silk Mikado Top and Skirt

Tonight Letizia complemented the ensemble with her beloved Nina Ricci 'Arc' clutch, and on her feet she wore her black Magrit patent leather platform pumps which we've seen her wear on a few occasions since their debut at a similar reception hosted by the President of Argentina in February 2017.

Letizia's jewellery was on point this evening. She finished the outfit with a new pair of gold filigree earrings aptly named the 'Queen Earrings'. They are reportedly a gift from the President of Portugal from the goldsmith house of Ourivesaria Freitas. They are crafted by skilled Portuguese goldsmiths in a traditional Minho folk design. You can find copies of the style at specialty retailers including Etsy.

Ourivesaria Freitas Portuguese Queen Earrings

This was the sixth State Visit by a foreign President to Spain since Felipe and Letizia become monarchs in June 2014. Below are the outfits worn by Letizia for past cocktail receptions. Do you have a favourite?

Oct 2014 - Reception hosted by President of Chile

Mar 2015 - Reception hosted by President of Columbia

Jul 2015 - Reception hosted by President of Peru

Feb 2017 - Reception hosted by President of Argentina

Nov 2017 - Reception hosted by President of Israel

Apr 2018 - Reception hosted by President of Portugal

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King & Queen of Spain welcome the President of Portugal

16/4/2018

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King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia welcomed Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on the commencement of his State visit to Spain today.

Image source: casareal.es

The official welcome ceremony was held at the Royal Palace of Madrid which included the playing of each country's national anthem and a Royal Guard parade.

Image source: casareal.es

Following the ceremony, Their Majesties offered a private luncheon for the visiting President at their home in the Palace of Zarzuela.

For the occasion, Queen Letizia borrowed a look from last year's National Day ceremony, which she also repeated at the "Queen Letizia Awards 2016 and 2017" of the Royal Board on Disability last November.

The blue-grey Felipe Varela outfit features a belted woollen jacket and a matching box-pleated skirt detailed with a hand-embroidered floral motif on the front and back.

Embed from Getty Images

Letizia fashioned the look with a new set of custom accessories by Magrit. She carried a tonal blue clutch bag based on the brand's 'Hawa' model (US$296) which she teamed with coordinating pumps rendered in a mix of reptile skin and smooth leather.

Completing the outfit were her Bvlgari diamond and aquamarine white gold hoop earrings.

This evening the King and Queen of Spain will offer a State Banquet in honor of the visiting President of Portugal at the Royal Palace of Madrid. We expect to see Queen Letizia in a gown and crown jewels tonight!

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A double debut! Queen Letizia finally dons the Cartier Tiara and premieres Spanish designer Ana Locking

16/4/2018

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On Monday evening King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia held a gala dinner at the Royal Palace of Madrid for the President of Portugal who is on a State visit to Spain. This followed on from the official welcome and luncheon held earlier in the day.

Image source: casareal.es

The State banquet was also attended by representatives of government, business leaders, cultural ambassadors and the media from both countries.

Image source: casareal.es

Her Majesty premiered a beautiful blue gown by Ana Locking. This was Letizia's first time to wear a peice by the Spanish label which is a Madrid based womenswear, menswear and accessories brand founded in 2008 by fashion designer Ana González.

The slim gown has a round neckline with cutouts under and around the arms. It features pearls of varying sizes which adorn it from top to bottom, and it is finished with a thigh-high slit. The piece is from the designer's Spring/Summer 17 "The Thinker" collection.

Ana Locking blue gown with pearls from Spring/Summer 17

In another first, we finally saw Queen Letizia don the Cartier Pearl and Diamond Tiara!

Queen Letizia wears Cartier Pearl and Diamond Tiara

Image source: Jose Gegundez

It was designed by the French jewellery house in 1920 for Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain (Ena). The platinum diadem is composed of swirls of diamonds surrounding eight large pearls, and is said to have been inspired by Egyptian motifs which were popular at the time.

The tiara did originally have an additional pearl at the top as seen on Queen Ena in the portrait on the left. The pearls can be switched out for other stones and Ena occasionally replaced them with emeralds as shown in the portrait on the right.

Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain (Ena) wearing Cartier Pearl and Diamond Tiara

Queen Victoria Eugenia of Spain (Ena) wearing Cartier Tiara with emeralds

Following the exile of Spanish royal family in the 1930's the tiara reappeared in the 90's on the head of Queen Sofia.

Queen Sofia and the Cartier Diamond and Pearl Tiara

Image source: orderofsplendor.blogspot.com

Her daughter Infanta Cristina also wore it in 2010 for the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria.

Embed from Getty Images

Tonight Queen Letizia coupled the royal headpiece with the joyas de pasar diamond earrings, also from Queen Ena's collection. Complementing her stately ensemble was the Order of Christ (Portugal) sash.

Image source: Wikipedia

On her feet were her navy Nina Ricci suede pumps.

What did you think of the double debut tonight?

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It's a royal recycle for lunch with the Prince of Saudi Arabia

12/4/2018

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King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia hosted a luncheon for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia who is on an official visit to Spain.

Image source: casareal.es

Her Majesty donned a familiar outfit for this stately occasion held in the Royal Palace in Madrid.

Image source: casareal.es

She aired the off-white Felipe Varela tweed coat dress hand embroidered with a black beaded floral motif. The bespoke piece was first worn to the National day parade in October 2016, and again in April 2017 for the Cervantes Award ceremony.

Queen Letizia changed up the look with black accessories. On her feet were her black patent leather pumps by LODI, and she carried a new black satin clutch bag.

Image source: Jose Gegundez

It is the Magrit 'Mary' handb ag (€240) - a style Letizia also owns in red.

Letizia wore her hair in a loose ponytail, showcasing her elegant diamond and pearl drop earrings. These have been in her possession for well over a decade but it is only the second time she has worn them since becoming the Queen of Spain. The design is very similar to her bezel set diamonds and Australian pearl earrings.

Embed from Getty Images

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Queen Letizia revives last year's Springtime look for visit to Huelva University

11/4/2018

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Queen Letizia attended the 5th Autonomous Vocational Training Championship (Andalucía Skills 2018) events held at El Carmen Campus of Huelva University on Wednesday.

Andalucía Skills is a regional championship held once every two years at centers in Andalusia, which aims to reward best students receiving training in vocational training courses.

Image source: casarea.es

Her Majesty toured the competition venue, where she was able to observe the skills on display across many fields including cooking, fashion technology; landscape gardening; carpentry, and mechatronics to name a few.

Queen Letizia wore her red Zara frilled sleeve coat for the day out in southwestern Spain. The piece has been an early Springtime favourite since its debut in March 2017 when Letizia wore it on two separate occasions. Today's outfit was a throwback to the last time she wore the coat.

The ensemble consists of her Uterque nappa leather leggings, red Carolina Herrera 'Maysa' clutch, and bespoke Magrit pumps in natural slub effect leather.

Letizia again rounded off the look with her TOUS moonstone teardrop earrings.

Embed from Getty Images

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