On Wednesday evening, King Felipe VI & Queen Letizia held a State Banquet at the Royal Palace of Madrid for the President of Argentina and his wife, who are on a State visit to Spain.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
Queen Letizia chose an understated black Felipe Varela velvet gown for the glittering event, the perfect backdrop to showcase the crown jewels!
Her Majesty wore the Fleur de Lys tiara, a diadem exclusively reserved for Queens of Spain. This was Letizia's first time wearing the piece; and it 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.
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 (better known as Queen Ena of Spain). 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.
The tiara is one of the joyas de pasar, a collection of jewels designated by Queen Ena in her will for the select use of Spanish queens. The large diamond earrings and the weighty double diamond bracelets that Letizia also premiered are part of that group as well.
Her Majesty wore the Order of Merit Grand Cross sash (Argentina) with a fleur de lys diamond brooch which originates from the centerpiece of her "Princess" tiara.
Under the dress we got a glimpse of black peep-toe platform sandals by Magrit.
It was a treat to finally see Queen Letizia bring out the big guns! I am however surprised she did wear the joyas de pasar for this gala. I thought she may have been saving the crown jewels for a monarch-to-monarch State visit, such as the postponed visit to the UK. Following the tiara drought of 2016, I'm delighted Queen Letizia opened the vault!
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