The King and Queen of Spain visited Huelva and Cádiz for a day of events.

Their Majesties presided over the Scientific Congress closing the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Doñana National Park at Teatro Salvador Távora, Almonte, Huelva.

The 50th anniversary commemorates the natural and cultural heritage that the Doñana National Park brings to the Andalusian and national network of protected areas.

Following this, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia visited the Virgen del Rocío located in the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption) in Almonte.  The occasion falls on the Mariano del Rocío Jubilee Year.

Later in the day, Their Majesties toured the Doñana National Park, an area of ecosystems that houses a rare biodiversity in Europe. 

The marsh is a place of passage, breeding, and wintering for thousands of European and African birds. Seriously endangered species such as the Iberian imperial eagle and Liberian lynx reside there.

The King and Queen closed their day in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Cádiz. Received by the mayor Víctor Mora they unveiled a plaque commemorating the V Centenary of the First Circumnavigation of the World led by Magellan and concluded by Elcano. ​​

They went on to a Visitor Center, Fábrica de Hielo where they saw a replica of the Victoria - the first ship to circumnavigate the globe.  In 1519 five ships carrying 239 men left Seville, three years later 18 men returned on the Victoria, the only ship on the expedition that returned.

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).

The King and Queen of Spain visited Écija, Sevilla for a day of events.

Their Majesties received a warm welcome from the locals who had gathered to see them.

They began the day holding a meeting with the Corporación Municipal de Écija (Municipal Corporation of Écija) at Palacio de Benamejí, headquarters of the Museo Histórico Municipal. They toured the museum whose aim is to contribute to the cultural revitalization and scientific research in the region. 

Afterward, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia traveled to the educational center C D P Escuelas Profesionales de la Sagrada Familia Fundación Peñaflor (Professional Schools Sagrada Familia-Peñaflor Foundation) - winner of the Princess of Girona Foundation (FPdGI) 'School of the Year Award 2019'. ​

FPdGI rewards the achievements of schools that are committed to talent development and educational innovation in favor of a fairer society and a better world.

Before delivering the award 'School of the Year' Their Majesties toured the building meeting teachers and students. They were warmly greeted by the crowds who had gathered to wait for them.

Queen Letizia brought back the Victoria Beckham coordinating leopard print blouse and skirt she debuted last November at events marking the 10th anniversary of the Princess of Girona Foundation (shown below).

The navy and white separates consist of a long sleeve twill shirt and a silk midi skirt.

On her feet she wore her navy suede Carolina Herrera slingback pumps.

Letizia topped off the outfit with her TOUS bluestone and baroque pearl dangle earrings.

There are many delightful photos from today's visit to Écija, and it is evident Their Majesties had a wonderful time meeting the locals, especially the students. I encourage you to head over to the Casa Real website to see the full gallery of images.

The Queen of Spain chaired the IX Forum Against Cancer meeting in Madrid today, organized as part of the events to mark World Cancer Day.

​Her Majesty delivered a short speech to open the session in her role as honorary president of the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC).

The focus of this year's forum was to illustrate the economic and social impact of cancer, to frame it within the WHO international strategy on noncommunicable diseases, while promoting cultural change in Spain to decrease the economic and social costs of cancer through prevention and health advocacy. 

The Spanish Royal Family attend the Solemne Ceremonia de Apertura de la XIV Legislatura (Solemn Opening Ceremony of the XIV Legislature) at Palacio de las Cortes in Madrid.

​The Solemn Opening of the Legislature takes place after the investiture of the President has been confirmed by the Government Congress of Deputies.

King Felipe VI delivered his speech and declared the XIV Constitutional Legislature open. The royal family posed for photos after the cereminal opening. 

A military parade of the Armed Forces closed the act. ​

Queen Letizia wore a new cream long-sleeve dress featuring an asymmetrical hemline and frayed finishes. Other design elements include a frayed inset waistband and a slit neckline. Unfortunately we have no information about the designer.

She offset the solid hued dress with her studded snakeskin accessories by Magrit.

Queen Letizia rugged up outside with her black Carolina Herrera (faux?) fur collar cape.

She finsihed the elegant ensemble with her diamond and large pearl drop earrings.

The King and Queen of Spain, accompanied by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia attended the funeral of Infanta Pilar of Spain, Duchess of Badajoz and Viscountess of La Torre on Wednesday.

Held at Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid, other attendees included Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, and King Felipe's VI sisters Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina. 

​Their Majesties looked solemn during the funeral of King Felipe's aunt who passed away in Madrid on the 8th of January 2020, at 83 years of age. Pilar de Borbón was the eldest daughter of Infante Juan, Count of Barcelona and Princess María de las Mercedes of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, and the older sister of King Juan Carlos I. In 1967 she married Luis Gómez-Acebo y Duque de Estrada, with whom she had five children with.

Queen Letizia wore her black Burberry wool coat over a knee-length pencil dress, and rugged up with a scarf.

She carried her Carolina Herrera 'Astrud' clutch bag, and on Letizia's feet were her Manolo Blahnik snakeskin pumps with a custom rubber platform sole.

The Spanish queen finished the look with her white gold bezel set diamonds and Australian pearl drop earrings.

The King and Queen of Spain received the Men's National Handball Team at Zarzuela Palace on Tuesday​.

​The Spanish men's team were declared back to back European champions, after beating Croatia 22-20 at the European final in Stockholm on Sunday. The team have also qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Queen Letizia premiered a black CH Carolina Herrera polka dot cache-cœur dress for the occasion.

She teamed the midi wrap dress with her black Steve Madden 'Dominique' over-the-knee suede boots.

Letizia finished the look with her gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings.

The King and Queen of Spain travelled to Poland today to attend events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Their Majesties visited the Auschwitz concentration camp and laid a floral tribute at the "Death Wall".

The royal couple then visited the on-site museum and signed the book of honor.

Later, King Felipe and Queen Letizia joined more than 200 Holocaust survivors and dignitaries from around the world for a moving commemoration service at the former concentration camp.

Queen Letizia was dressed in black from head to toe, wearing her Carolina Herrera A-line belted coat and a Nana Golmar headpiece. 

The headband is a custom piece based on this silhouette by the Spanish milliner.

The Queen of Spain attended audiences ​at the Palace of Zarzuela today.

Her Majesty first received representatives of the Federación de Distribuidores Cinematográficos 'FEDICINE' (Federation of Cinematographic Distributors) where she heard about the challenges facing the film distribution sector. 

Queen Letizia later received representatives of the 'Fiscal Soledad Cazorla Prieto' Fundación Mujeres (Women's Foundation) Scholarship Fund.  Scholarships are given to children whose mothers have died as a result of gender-based violence, and as a result, are economically and emotionally vulnerable.

Queen Letizia brought back separates from the outfit she wore in November 2019 for a visit to Seville.

The top is the red Hugo Boss BOSS 'Banora' gathered neck silk blouse.

The skirt is a custom piece by Carolina Herrera. The poppy print can be found on the designer's short-sleeve knit dress.

Below is a closer look at the black ruffled leather waist belt which Letizia has worn on numerous occasions.

The brand has remained a mystery but I have finally identified it! I found the same style in taupe by Burberry.

Today Letizia wore her black Steve Madden 'Dominique' over-the-knee suede boots.

She finished the look with her  gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings.

The Queen of Spain attended the exhibition La otra Corte. Mujeres de la Casa de Austria en los monasterios reales de Las Descalzas y La Encarnación (The Other Court. Women of the House of Austria in the royal monasteries of Las Descalzas and La Encarnación).​

The exhibition at the Royal Palace contains portraits of women from the House of Austria in two Royal Monasteries in Madrid; The Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales, built in the 16th century, where Franciscan nuns resided, and the Monasterio de la Encarnacion, built in the 17th century, inhabited by Augustinian nuns. The exhibition highlights the way in which the palace and religious aspects are linked and the strong relations with the Austrian Empire.

Her Majesty received a guided tour by the curator Fernando Checa and held a brief meeting with authorities.   ​

Queen Letizia stepped out in a new petal pink pant suit from Hugo Boss.

The separates consist of the BOSS 'Jericoa' Stretch Wool Double Breasted Blazer (US$595) and the BOSS 'Tiluna' Stretch Wool Ankle Trousers (US$248).

Letizia teamed the suit with her white Carolina Herrera cap sleeve silk blouse with pleated neckline.

On her feet she debuted the HUGO 'Mayfair' pump (£199) rendered in a pink patent leather and  featuring a block heel with pointed toe.

Letizia finished the look with her gold bamboo design huggie hoop earrings which still remain unidentified.

I believe this may have been Letizia's final engagement of the year. Their Majesties are expected to resume royal duties in the first week of 2020 when they preside over the traditional celebration of the Pascua Militar on January 6th.

Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year to all my readers!
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