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Queen Letizia makes a designer debut in Dries Van Noten at the Francisco Cerecedo awards

29/11/2019

The King and Queen of Spain attended the XXXVI edition of the Premio de Periodismo Francisco Cerecedo ('Francisco Cerecedo' Journalism Prize) at the Hotel Palace in Madrid.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia attend 'Francisco Cerecedo' Journalism Prize 2019

The annual prize is awarded by the Asociación de Periodistas Europeos 'APE' (Association of European Journalists). The APE was founded in 1962, with the aim of bringing together journalists who are committed to promoting European integration, and determined to defend the freedom of information of the press in Europe. This year's recipient was writer Javier Cercas.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia deliver 'Francisco Cerecedo' Journalism Prize 2019

Queen Letizia arrived at the reception wearing her black Carolina Herrera A-Line Belted Coat.

Queen Letizia arrived at Hotel Palace in Madrid for 'Francisco Cerecedo' Journalism Prize 2019

Carolina Herrera Black A-Line Belted Coat

Once inside the hotel, Her Majesty revealed an exquisite cocktail dress by Dries Van Noten. This is the first time we have seen Letizia wear a piece by the Belgian fashion designer. The eponymous label is part of the Spanish company PUIG which also owns some of Letizia's other favourite brands including Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci and Adolfo Dominguez.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrive at Hotel Palace in Madrid for 'Francisco Cerecedo' Journalism Prize 2019

The black and gold floral jacquard midi dress is from Dries Van Noten's A/W 2019-2020 collection. The wool-blend sheath features a rose silhouette in a shimmering metallic foil finish. The dress exudes a sense of ornate luxury and elegance, while the round padded shoulders give it an architectural appeal. The dress retails for US$2,065 / £1395 and is currently available at Saks Fifth Avenue and 24S.com.

A closer look at the sequin trim, and faux bob hairstyle.

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The floral pattern took inspiration from Van Noten's personal rose garden at the end of the flowering season, and it can been seen on other pieces his collection.

Dries Van Noten black and gold floral jacquard jacket

Dries Van Noten black and gold floral jacquard trousers

Dries Van Noten black and gold floral jacquard coat

Letizia coordinated the dress with new black and gold accessories by Magrit. The custom pieces are based on the brand's 'Marina' and 'Alice' models respectfully, and feature a mix of black reptile skin and shiny gold leather.

Queen Letizia finished the look with her gold Helena Nicolau 'Almond' Flower' earrings.

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Helena Nicolau 'Almond' Flower' gold earrings

FASHION FLASHBACK

Letizia has typically favoured a dark palette for this annual event since she started attending in 2004. In 2017 she surprised us with a white Teresa Helbig flapper-style dress. Below is a look back at her most recent ensembles since becoming queen consort in 2014.

2014 - Felipe Varela

2015 - Felipe Varela

2016 - Uterque

2017 - Teresa Helbig

2018 - Carolina Herrera

2019 - Dries van Noten

SHOP LETIZIA'S LOOK FOR LESS ...

Macy's US$69

Amazon US$10.99

Betsy Johnson US$49.98

30 Comments

Queen Letizia re-wears classic day dress to receive Observatory award

26/11/2019

17 Comments

The King and Queen of Spain attended the XV edition of the Observatory awards against Domestic and Gender Violence 2019 at the Sede del Consejo General del Poder Judicial in Madrid.

King & Queen of Spain attend Observatory awards against Domestic and Gender Violence 2019

During the ceremony, King Felipe proudly awarded his wife the annual 'Premio del Observatorio contra la Violencia Doméstica y de Género 2019' (Award of the Observatory against Domestic and Gender Violence 2019) in the category of 'Personalidad más destacada' (Most Outstanding Personality).

Queen Letizia receives Observatory awards against Domestic and Gender Violence 2019

The award honors Queen Letizia's dedication to the fight against domestic and gender violence and her support for the victims. She was unanimously chosen by the representatives of the Observatory. Her Majesty's commitment has helped raise society's awareness, to dedicate means for its eradication and to aid women who experience it. After receiving her award Queen Letizia gave a short speech of thanks.

Queen Letizia makes a speech at the Observatory awards against Domestic and Gender Violence 2019

A group photo of this year's awards recipients.

King & Queen of Spain with recipients of Observatory awards against Domestic and Gender Violence 2019

Video footage from today's event.

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: Unidentified grey shawl collared a-line dress (repeat).

Queen Letizia wears grey shawl collared a-line dress at Observatory awards 2019

Previously worn:

3 Dec 2018 - Opening of art exhibition at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía

13 Feb 2019 - State Visit Morocco, Arrival

17 Oct 2019 - Welcome reception ahead of Princess of Asturias Awards

HANDBAG: Carolina Herrera 'Astrud' clutch bag (repeat).

Queen Letizia carries Carolina Herrera Astrud clutch bag

SHOES: Manolo Blahnik snakeskin pumps with custom rubber platform sole (repeat).

Queen Letizia wears Manolo Blahnik snakeskin pumps with custom rubber platform sole

EARRINGS: Unidentified gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings (repeat).

Queen Letizia wears gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings

17 Comments

Queen Letizia debuts autumnal print dress for double engagement

19/11/2019

46 Comments

Queen Letizia accompanied her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia on a private visit to Rastrillo Nuevo Futuro at the Pabellón de Cristal, Casa de Campo Park in Madrid today.

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Queen Sofia is a regular at the annual event, and Letizia has previously attended with her mother-in-law from 2009-2013. The money raised by the solidarity market goes to The Nuevo Futuro association, (homes for supervised minors) which has been operating for fifty years.

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They toured the stalls which offered an array of antiques, Christmas decorations, and fashion, among other items.

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Later in the day, Queen Letizia attended the opening of Goya's Drawings 'Solo la voluntad me sobra' (Only my Strength of Will Remains) at Museo Nacional del Prado.

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The exhibition celebrates the museum's 200th anniversary. Queen Letizia held a meeting with the Royal Board of the Prado National Museum and exhibition curators before touring the catalog of work. The exhibition displays more than 300 drawings from Prado's selection and from public and private collections around the world.

Queen Letizia tours Goya's Drawings 'Solo la voluntad me sobra' exhibition at Museo Nacional del Prado

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: NEW! HUGO by Hugo Boss 'Kalocca' floral print shirt dress (£449).

JACKET: NEW! Cognac tan leather and suede mix jacket (unidentified).

Carlos Alvarez / Stringer / Getty Images

ACCESSORIES: Magrit custom rust red leather & suede clutch bag and matching pumps (repeat).

Magrit custom rust red leather & suede pumps

EARRINGS: Gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings (unidentified / repeat)

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46 Comments

Queen Letizia offers no sartorial surprises on the final day of the Cuba State Visit

14/11/2019

16 Comments

On the fourth and final day of the Cuba State Visit, the King and Queen of Spain visited Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where Goya's self-portrait is on loan from the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, from the 11th November - 12th December during the capital's 500th-anniversary celebrations. The museum opened in 1913 and houses Cuban art collections from the colonial times up to contemporary generations.

King and Queen of Spain visited Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where Goya's self-portrait is on loan from the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid

Later in the morning, Their Majesties travelled to the Centro de Inmunología Molecular de Cuba (Center for Molecular Immunology of Cuba) whose aim is to obtain and produce new bio-pharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer and other non-transmissible diseases.

King and Queen of Spain visit Centro de Inmunología Molecular de Cuba

In the afternoon they flew to Santiago de Cuba where they toured Castillo del Morro de San Pedro de la Roca, a military fortress which is declared a World Heritage Site. In the bulwark, they honoured fallen soldiers in a ceremony for the 'Squadron of the Admiral Cervera' who lost their lives in the combat of 1898.

To conclude their State Trip they visited the Memorial de la Loma de San Juan, the site of a decisive battle in the Hispano-Cuban War (Spanish-American War). A wreath was laid at the monument of the Spanish soldier and a reading was read.

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: Massimo Dutti Pleated Dress with Two-Tone Print (repeat).

Previously worn:

18 Sep 2018 - 30th anniversary of the Magna Charta Universitatum

27 Mar 2019 - VIII International Congress of the Spanish Language

14 Jun 2019 - Audience hearings

BELT: NEW! Navy leather skinny belt (unidentified).

Queen Letizia wears navy leather skinny belt

HANDBAG: CH Carolina Herrera 'Baret' navy fold-over clutch bag (repeat).

CH Carolina Herrera 'Baret' navy flap clutch bag

SHOES: Carolina Herrera navy suede slingback pumps (repeat).

EARRINGS: Unidentified gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings (repeat).

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SHOP LETIZIA'S LOOK FOR LESS ...

Amazon US$26.99

ASOS US$16

Everlane US$98

Barney's New York US$325

TOUR RECAP

There were not too many sartorial surprises for the State Visit to Cuba. The Queen of Spain took a modest approach to her tour wardrobe and over 60% of the dresses she packed were a repeat. Judging from the reader comments it's clear to see the mint Nina Ricci midi dress was the standout piece! Do you agree?

Hugo Boss (NEW)

Carolina Herrera (repeat)

Unknown (repeat)

Adolfo Dominguez (repeat)

Nina Ricci (NEW)

Maje (NEW)

Massimo Dutti (repeat)

16 Comments

Queen Letizia looks stunning in soft mint Nina Ricci dress for reception with Spanish community in Cuba

13/11/2019

24 Comments

At mid-morning of Day 3 of their State Visit to Cuba, The King and Queen of Spain attended a reception at the Great Theater of Havana 'Alicia Alonso' for the Spanish community living in the Caribbean island nation.

The King and Queen of Spain attend a reception at the Great Theater of Havana for the Spanish community living in Cuba

View of the Great Hall of the Grand Theater of Havana during the playing of the Spanish national anthem.

Their Majesties get a warm greeting from the the people attending the reception.

I love an artsy silhouette photo.

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Video footage of the reception:

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: NEW! Nina Ricci mint embellished plissé-silk midi dress (RRP: US$2,390 - reduced to $358 at The Outnet).

Below is a closer look at the shell detailing on the neckline.

ACCESSORIES: Bespoke Magrit mint clutch bag and matching 'Laura' cross strap suede pumps (repeat).

Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

EARRINGS: Yanes sunburst white gold and diamond earrings (repeat).

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24 Comments

Queen Letizia debuts Maje organza shirtdress for Spanish Embassy dinner in Cuba

13/11/2019

23 Comments

The King and Queen of Spain concluded the third day of their State Visit to Cuba with a reception at the Spanish Embassy in Havana.

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WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: NEW! Maje 'Roane' pink organza shirtdress (US$245).

SHOES: Steve Madden 'Plaza' mules in blush suede (repeat).

EARRINGS: Diamond drop earrings (repeat). First worn last month to the El Mundo 30th anniversary gala dinner.

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23 Comments

Queen Letizia brings back summery white Adolfo Dominguez embroidered dress for morning events of Day 3 in Cuba

13/11/2019

19 Comments

The King and Queen of Spain began their third day of the State Visit to Cuba by visiting El Templete de la Plaza de Armas, in Old Havana.

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The monument was built in 1827 and memorialises the origin of the City of Havana five hundred years ago. It was the site of the first mass and town council of San Cristóbal de la Habana on 16th November 1519.

King and Queen of Spain visit El Templete de la Plaza de Armas

Their Majesties then toured the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, an 18th-century baroque building which is home to the Museum of the City of Havana.

King and Queen of Spain tour Palacio de los Capitanes Generales

From the president of the Provincial Assembly of Popular Power (Asamblea Provincial del Poder Popular), they received a 'La Giraldilla' figure - a tiny bronze statue of a female figure who keeps watch over Cuba's capital from atop a local landmark. It is the oldest symbol of Havana.

King and Queen of Spain are gifted La Giraldilla figure

Later, Their Majesties awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Carlos III to the historian of the City of Havana, Eusebio Leal.

King and Queen of Spain award Grand Cross of the Order of Carlos III to Eusebio Leal

Some video footage of today's outing:

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: Adolfo Dominguez white embroidered cotton dress with belt (repeat). First worn in Mallorca this past summer.

HANDBAG: Magrit 'Candy' envelope clutch in beige suede leather (repeat).

Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

SHOES: Mint & Rose 'Sardinia' espadrille wedges (repeat).

EARRINGS: Unidentified gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings (repeat).

19 Comments

Queen Letizia brings back ivory Carolina Herrera embroidered dress for afternoon engagements with Cuba's First Lady

12/11/2019

21 Comments

In the afternoon, the Queen of Spain travelled to Plaza Vieja where she was accompanied by First Lady Lis Cuesta.

Queen Letizia travelled to Plaza Vieja where she was accompanied by First Lady of Cuba Lis Cuesta.

They visited a Workshop School "Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos" which teaches students between the ages of 17-25 through study and work to restore prominent buildings and sites within the capital.

The school was founded in 1992 following an agreement between the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana.

Together they walked to Convento de San Francisco where they oversaw restored cloisters.

Queen Letizia visits Convento de San Francisco

Following the solo engagements, the King and Queen of Spain were reunited for a tour of the streets of Old Havana, while greeting those who came to meet them. Their Majesties visited the Cathedral, Palacio del Marqués de Arcos and Museo de Arte Colonial.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain tour the streets of Old Havana, Cuba

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: Carolina Herrera SS 2016 ivory floral embroidered dress (repeat).

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Previously worn:

26 Jul 2016 - FEDEPE awards

17 Jul 2017 - National Fashion Awards

HANDBAG: Magrit 'Candy' envelope clutch in beige suede leather (repeat).

Queen Letizia carries Magrit 'Candy' envelope clutch in beige suede leather

SHOES: Mint & Rose 'Sardinia' espadrille wedges (repeat).

EARRINGS: Gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings (unidentified). Worn earlier today.

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SUNGLASSES: Carolina Herrera New York black cat-eye sunglasses with gold rim and arms (repeat).

I don't normally comment on King Felipe's sartorial choices, but I thought it was worth noting that he paid respect to the host nation by wearing a Cuban men's summer shirt, called a guayabera. It is worn outside the trousers, distinguished by two vertical rows of closely sewn pleats running the length of the front and back of the shirt.

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21 Comments

Queen Letizia re-wears Carolina Herrera polka dot dress for morning events in Cuba

12/11/2019

8 Comments

The King and Queen of Spain are on an official State Visit to Cuba. Their Majesties arrived in Havana last night, and this morning they began their day with a visit to the Plaza de la Revolución where they laid a wreath at the José Martí Memorial.

José Martí (1853-1895) was a poet and intellectual, and is considered a Cuban national hero. During the ceremony, the National Anthems of both countries were played. Below is some video footage of the visit.

Their Majesties later received a formal welcome at Palacio de la Revolución, the official residence of the President of Cuba.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia are officially welcomed to Cuba by President Miguel Díaz-Canel and First Lady Lis Cuesta

They were greeted by President Miguel Díaz-Canel and First Lady Lis Cuesta. King Felipe and President Miguel Díaz-Canel oversaw the force and greeted officials.

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: Carolina Herrera white and black polka dot silk chiffon halter dress (repeat).

Previously worn:

21 May 2018 - Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

19 Jul 2018 - Visit to town of Bailén

BAG: Nina Ricci 'Arc' clutch (repeat).

SHOES: Steve Madden 'Plaza' black suede mules (repeat).

EARRINGS: NEW! Gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings (unidentified).

SHOP LETIZIA'S LOOK FOR LESS ...

Shopbop US$149

The Iconic AU$112

Amazon US$16.99

ASOS US$16

8 Comments

Queen Letizia is regal in red repeat for welcome dinner on Day 2 of State Visit to Cuba

12/11/2019

9 Comments

In the late afternoon, The King and Queen of Spain moved to the Gran Teatro de La Habana (Great Theater of Havana) where they visited the photographic exhibition "Spain-Cuba: with you in the distance".

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The display covers 500 years of Cuban history, 80 years of the Spanish news agency Agencia EFE, and 70 years of Iberia airline flying to Cuba.

King and Queen of Spain tour photographic exhibition

Following the tour of the exhibition, Their Majesties attended a Ballet Gala at the theatre by the Cuban National Ballet.

King and Queen of Spain attend a Ballet Gala at the Gran Teatro de La Habana by the Cuban National Ballet.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia concluded their full day with an official welcome dinner at the Palacio de la Revolucion hosted by the President of Cuba and First Lady.

State Visit to Cuba - King and Queen of Spain attend official welcome dinner at the Palacio de la Revolucion hosted by the President of Cuba and First Lady

WHAT QUEEN LETIZIA WORE

DRESS: Red halter neck midi dress (unidentified - repeat). First worn to the Balearic Islands reception in August.

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HANDBAG: Carolina Herrera Gold Metropolitan Insignia clutch (repeat).

SHOES: Jimmy Choo 'Misty 120' liquid mirror leather platform sandals. The shoes are available at Jimmy Choo, Harrods, Selfridges, and Farfetch.

Queen Letizia wears Jimmy Choo 'Misty 120' liquid mirror leather platform sandals

EARRINGS: Gold medium hoop earrings (unidentified - repeat). First worn in September for the opening of the 2019/2020 Vocational Training Courses.

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HAIR: Low bun

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