Queen Letizia is chic in Cherubina for Order of the Garter Service

17/6/2019

The King and Queen of Spain were back in the United Kingdom today for a special honour.

They were joined by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at Windsor Castle, where the two kings were formally invested into the Order of the Garter by Queen Elizabeth II.

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The Order of the Garter is the most senior and the oldest British Order of Chivalry. The Queen made King Felipe a Supernumerary Knight in July 2017 when he and Queen Letizia were in the UK for a state visit. She conferred the same honour on King Willem-Alexander in 2018.

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Ahead of the Garter Day service, Queen Letizia joined The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duchess of Cambridge, The Countess of Wessex, and The Queen of the Netherlands to watch the grand procession of the knights to St George’s Chapel.

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Following the service, the Spanish monarchs were accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in a carriage.

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Queen Letizia was outfitted by Spanish brand Cherubina for this regal occasion.

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She wore the label's Didi dress (€280) and Black Peony headband (€240).

This is the second occasion Her Majesty has stepped out in a piece by the Seville based designer. Earlier this month she debuted the Cherubina 'Suzie' dress for Armed Forces Day events.

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Letizia wore the Joyas de pasar diamond chanton earrings, once the property of Queen Ena and now part of the royal jewelry collection for the select use of Spanish queens.

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She also donned a diamond floral brooch belonging to Queen Sofia.

Patrick van Katwijk

Letizia had worn it once before in 2007. Thanks to Mary Rose for sharing this tidbit on my Facebook account.

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Letizia wears Queen Sofia's diamond floral brooch

The Spanish queen accessorized with a new pair of black snakeskin pumps featuring a small platform. They are reportedly a custom pair by Manolo Blahnik based off the model below.

Queen Letizia wears Manolo Blahnik black snakeskin pumps

UK Press Pool

Letizia coordinated the pumps with a new minaudiere. It is the Jimmy Choo 'Clemmie' Shiny Black Python Clutch Bag (US$1,695).

Queen Letizia carries black snakeskin box frame clutch

WPA Pool / Pool

Jimmy Choo 'Clemmie' Shiny Black Python Clutch Bag

There was also a glimpse of her gold plated Karen Hallam signature ring.

Queen Letizia wears gold plated Karen Hallam signature ring

UK Press Pool

As many of you know, I also run the blog katescloset.com.au, so today was a real treat for me, bringing together the two royal ladies I passionately follow! I hope you all enjoyed the event as much as I did :)

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43 Comments

Elena Mihaela Ciocan

17/6/2019 11:48:36 pm

Incredible look! And you were so fast with the post. Home renovation is done :)?

Elizabeth (Admin)

18/6/2019 12:26:43 am

Haha, no I wish! I'm just taking a break. Today's event is extra special because it brings together the two royal ladies I have been blogging about for over 5 years :)

Sandy

18/6/2019 02:38:16 am

I may be wrong, but I think this is the first time Queen Letizia has been photographed with the Duchess of Cambridge.

Elizabeth (Admin)

18/6/2019 01:44:58 pm

Yes, that's correct Sandy!

Bertie

18/6/2019 12:36:58 am

I dread to think what time of the night you must have posted this admin, but heartfelt thanks for being so speedy and hope you get a good rest!

It seems as if the presence of QEII has an inhibiting effect on the style sense of many, and Letizia has certainly stuck to propriety. I'm delighted to see her favour the Cherubina label again, it's great to see fresh styles emerge in her wardrobe. I love the subtle monochrome print.

We may not have access to the best photos, but the top of the dress looks a touch matronly, the heaviness added to by a below-knee hem. With high collar, full sleeves and long cuffs the garment certainly references royal pageant in spades.

However in the matter of the hat Letizia's originality seems to have reasserted itself and I find this a witty take on the idiosyncratic Garter headgear, the side embellishment echoing QEII's sweeping feathers, and adding a welcome lighter touch.

Black accessories are also adding to heaviness of course, though on their own the reptile shoes are fabulous. Earrings are also on the heavy side, but again, very queenly. It's a good outfit, but one I may take time to get used to. Will be interested to see other comments.

edita

18/6/2019 06:35:27 am

I just wanted to say that I was very surprised with this outfit. Yes, it is matronly, yes, it is heavy, yes, it swallows Letizia, and it is a bit...old fashion. This time even a conservative Kate, even Camilla, were better dressed. I like the queen Maxima look best.

Bertie

18/6/2019 09:41:02 am

I thought maybe the one time the Cherubina dress worked was when Letizia was seated in the carriage with Kate. At that point Letizia's dress was the perfect foil to Kate's distinctive lace trimmed peplum. It was certainly odd how Letizia's print echoed the shape of her brooch so well the pretty piece disappeared. I have also since seen more photos which show she was not wearing a hat but a headband. This along with the other features might reference a 1940s vibe to her outfit which might explain the tendency to a matronly look.

Christina

19/6/2019 06:09:12 am

I agree completely! Normally Letizia is so elegant and modern. This outfit made me think of Gloria Swanson.

Mara

19/6/2019 06:34:31 pm

Cristina, that was the idea, the vintage.

Sandy

18/6/2019 02:46:03 am

I agree with Bertie that the dress is a bit matronly and conservative. But considering the occasion it was appropriate. I like the subtle black print that is offset by the gray background and highlighted with the black shoes, purse and hat. I also like the puffy romantic sleeves that end with the wide cuffs (it's hard to tell from the pictures). Overall it's a nice outfit that will offend no one. The shoes are magnificent especially with that slight platform.

BlondieBlueEye Eight

20/6/2019 01:09:21 am

I agree with you & Bertie and Letizia’s head piece was beautiful with the peony flower, this headband is the nicest one I have seen from all the ladies that have worn headbands. It would be just as beautiful in many other colors. I must comment on her pumps and clutch stunting
and magnificent 💛!

Laura

18/6/2019 03:22:22 am

Letizia looks fine, although it isn't one of her best looks. I think she overcompensated in the conservative mode, given that it was the Order of the Garter and Queen Elizabeth was present. Letizia likely thought this was not the occasion for edginess. Although this is perhaps a time to break out the royal jewels, I think the brooch loses its effectiveness with the print as a background. Until you mentioned it, I didn't even see it. I like the hat and wish she had gone with more drama and worn the veil.

Laura

18/6/2019 02:21:13 pm

After I posted the comment wishing that Letizia had worn the hat with the veil, I saw a larger photo showing me that she indeed did wear the veil. Well done!

Wendy

18/6/2019 11:38:18 pm

In fact that veil is very Spanish, when hats and fascinators were worn in Spain. It was Queen Sofía who gave up and exiled the hats.

Louise

18/6/2019 03:33:00 am

Thank for posting so quickly. This dress is formal and a little fussy, but Letizia makes it look good. Elegant as always. Weather sunny and not too warm here, about 30 miles from Windsor so she needed the long sleeves.

Tibi

18/6/2019 04:50:40 am

The brooch is beautiful but basically invisible on the black/white dress background.So ... not clear why to wear it at all.
The little turtleneck of the dress seems like an overkill for the whole package. Gives a bit of an ... elderly vibe.

Ava Pittman

18/6/2019 05:51:31 am

What a beautiful look. The Queen looks stunning. Love the outfit from head to toe.

Zoe link

18/6/2019 10:56:03 am

Letizia stayed well within the bounds of propriety wit this outfit. It is a perfect foil for the garter robes even the feathered head band of the opposite colour. The headband showed her originality/creativity and a little mystery with the net over her face. Her hair with the curls pinned up looked pretty. The makeup gave her a lightly sunkissed touch. Yes, the dress looks matronly, but in another colour or a heavy silk, the same silhouette would probably be spectacular. The shoes and purse...I die ...or just swoon. Well played!

Milly

18/6/2019 11:57:06 am

I want that headband! I just wish I had somewhere to wear it LOL. Letizia yet again proved you don't need to spend $$$$$ to look a million dollars. She was appropriately dressed for the occasion and looked very elegant. She is a class act. I really enjoyed today's event, everybody looked fabulous!

Genviève

18/6/2019 12:52:22 pm

Well, I disagree with everyone who has commented before me. I think Queen Letizia has by far the most fashion-forward outfit of the five. What was old is new again - the length of the skirt, the way it tapers, the high neck and puffed sleeve, the button detailing, plus the waist band - it's all so fabulous! For me this look is elegant and sexy at the same time. I love it!

Second place goes to Queen Maxima ;-)

The wider skirts of the English ladies are not my cup of tea.

It's great how we see things differently!

Wendy

18/6/2019 06:01:28 pm

I agree, it seems something Lauren Bacall would have worn. People use to see Letizia very modern snd edgy, this one she meant to show respect and her husband was the star, she did not want to steal the show.
Elegant and discret. The real dress is tighter, she has not dared...I'm afraid.

Karana

18/6/2019 08:16:15 pm

I totally agree with Genvieve.
I love the oldfashioned touch (or maybe out of fashion chic touch)
I love the regal look, appropiate at 30 and at 60
And the brooch, almost invisible, another touch of class

Sandy

18/6/2019 09:36:36 pm

Actually, second place or honorable mention should go to King Felipe and King Willem- Alexander for having the courage to wear those crazy robes and hats.

Wendy

18/6/2019 11:29:58 pm

I agree, vintage, elegant, discreet, all she was looking for...A VIDEO;

https://youtu.be/X4KyJGVE9-c

Marta link

19/6/2019 10:28:04 am

I agree She is superb

Bertie

19/6/2019 01:34:40 pm

You put it so well Geneviève when you say the old is made new. I think an older style is being referenced here because it is high fashion for those not old enough to remember grandparents still wearing these styles, which back then made them "old-fashioned'.

edita

18/6/2019 05:40:12 pm

I just wanted to add...It is a thin line sometimes between elegant and matronly. I think this dress had the idea of elegant and appropriate. It looks like that on a model. But on Letizia it is too much...too much details, too long, too high on the neck, the pattern...and everything at the end looks elderly. Which is a surprise, because we all know, Letizia wears every tipe of clothes soo good. It is almost like she is giving the elegance to the clothes not the clothes to her.😊

Simone

18/6/2019 06:37:45 pm

She was very worried about the protocol that we do not have here . Everybody spoke about this in Spain, also the tights women wear there, hats...complicated.

Zoe link

18/6/2019 08:35:38 pm

There are many things which had to be considered. The weather, the occasion...the pictures that will be seen many years from now. I think staid is more appropriate here than elderly which does not seem to be a good thing. The thought process that goes into her outfits is always evident. Unfortunately for her, Letizia is caught between her natural sexiness and the constant reminders that it is Felipe who is the protagonist.

Jennifer

18/6/2019 06:27:03 pm

I've been looking forward to this event. I must admit that it has taken me a while to gather my thoughts on this look, it has steadily grown on me and I think the Queen looks quite beautiful. This ensemble is quietly elegant, there is a softness in the delicate shoulder gathers, muted print, drape of fabric and sumptuous sheen. The small buttons on the one shoulder and the dip V waist panel are lovely and so very feminine. I think the dress and veiled headband were brilliant value for the money and look far more expensive than they were. In the look-book the dress is styled with large earrings, I think this works well so I was delighted to see the jovas de pasar diamond chanton earrings. Letizia's hair looks wonderful, perfectly channelling the vintage feel of the Cherubina pieces. Minor quibbles, I wish the dress was just slightly more tapered in from the mid thigh down. I also don't like the shoes particularly the platform, in black I would have preferred the Prada saffiano pumps which are more streamlined - I wonder if a very pale grey, almost white shoe would have looked less heavy... and more in tune with the lightness of the dress. I don't think the brooch was needed (as stunning as it is) you loose sight of the subtle details at the shoulder, the magnificent earrings were all the jewellery that was needed. Great post Elizabeth! I hope yesterday was special for you.

Elizabeth (Admin)

18/6/2019 11:32:06 pm

Thank you Jennifer. Yes, it was a fabulous day!

Clare m

18/6/2019 07:33:48 pm

Thank you for such a great website that is regularly updated. An enjoyable read on such an interesting subject as Queen Letizia. 😊

Elizabeth (Admin)

19/6/2019 03:29:40 am

Thank you Clare x

Karen

18/6/2019 08:19:29 pm

Oh no. Everything about this outfit makes her look awful. Old, unflattering, dull. No. It's awful. The hem is too long, the sleeves too old fashioned. Fabric too dull. The cut of the dress looks like something I could whip up with a pattern from a sewing store. The hat, no. just all wrong. She looks out of place, not modern just all wrong. In that picture of the 5 women, I just can't look away from Kate for looking so fresh and modern and I want to look away from QL for looking so frumpy and dull. Just no.

Sandy

19/6/2019 02:41:24 am

Kate, fresh & modern? I thought she was the worst dressed. Her dress was so juvenile with the Peter Pan collar and odd piping along the sides. Letizia may have looked matronly but Kate looked like a little girl.

Bertie

19/6/2019 03:37:05 am

I'm not inclined to be too hard on Letizia as her outfit suits the occasion, and for me the more mature characteristics are covered by thinking of them as vintage 1940s. I certainly agree with you about Kate, I thought the execution of the single line of black trim against ivory was inspired and captivating. A triumph of tailoring for me, tho I must offer apologies to Sandy!

Sandy

20/6/2019 05:45:55 am

Bertie, you are very kind. But no apologies are necessary.

Nicolette

18/6/2019 08:46:16 pm

I agree with Edita. So awesome to see Letizia and Kate together. Love this blog!!!! How come Letizia looks younger than she does in the pic taken in 2007. I want to age backwards please! I give Maxima first place this time. Nailed it. Thank you Elizabeth. Good luck with home renovations.

Elizabeth (Admin)

18/6/2019 11:32:49 pm

Thank you Nicolette x

Simone

18/6/2019 11:56:23 pm

I think Maxima was great but a cape when her husband was to be "caped"?. The belt was too much wide as well. And too much grin, well she is too much always.

Stephanie

19/6/2019 09:52:23 am

Letizia looks very regal in this dress and headband. I really like the print. Her look complemented that of her hosts and did not outshine them. It's a very appropriate look. Her new black shoes are objects of envy. Her mother in law's brooch was very fitting but was lost with the background print of the dress. The major jewellery show was that worn by the Holders of the Garter so I guess her brooch should not draw too much attention but to be almost unsighted was a shame.

The formal dress for the Order of the Garter Service - the long velvet capes, hats with feathers, bold velvet cross bands, jewelled regalia - shows how glorious royal pageantry can be. With the Royal Guardsmen in the background, it looked a grand occasion.

Joanna

19/6/2019 07:21:28 pm

I love your website!!!

Elizabeth (Admin)

19/6/2019 07:52:45 pm

Thank you Joanna x

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Queen Letizia is chic in Cherubina for Order of the Garter Service

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