Queen Letizia of Spain chose one of her favourite tiaras for a glittering event held in Madrid.
The Queen of Spain returned to a tiara called the ”Floral” for the State Dinner she hosted with King Felipe in honour of French President, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife, Brigitte.
The tiara was a favourite for Letizia in the early years of her marriage to Felipe.
It gets its name from its design as the diadem features a row of flowers made of diamonds. It was made in the 19th century as a wedding present. King Alfonso XII gave it to his new wife, Maria Christina. It was sold in the early 20th century but Franco bought it back and gave it to another Spanish queen as a wedding gift – it was presented to Princess Sofia of Greece on her marriage to Juan Carlos of Spain. The two became King and Queen of Spain on Franco’s death.
(Casa de Su Majestad el Rey)
The pick reunited Letizia with one of her favourite jewels. The pretty but low key tiara also nodded to another important consideration – the nation being hosted for the State Banquet is a republic and so has no royal representation.
Usually, in those circumstances, the jewels chosen are either low key or there is no tiara appearance. When President Macron hosts royalty during State Visits, tiaras are rarely worn. Queen Letizia didn’t wear a diadem when she joined King Felipe on a State Visit to France. Queen Camilla also chose not to wear a tiara when she and King Charles made their French State Visit. However, Queen Elizabeth II did wear a tiara on her State Visits to France. The choice remains personal but political sensitivities are always taken into consideration.
The State Banquet in Madrid came as part of a two day State Visit by Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron to Spain where the focus was on economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
Queen Letizia put Spanish fashion on full show, choosing a pale blue evening gown by Carolina Herrera for the event. The dress, with a sheet top covered in sparkles, featured cape style sleeves and dramatic embroidery.
The pick won plaudits from the Spanish press who spotlighted Queen Letizia’s championing of the country’s fashion industry during such a high profile event. Earlier in the day, Letizia had worn a dress by another famous Spanish design house, Pertegaz.
During the State Banquet, King Felipe and Emmanuel Macron spoke of the deep bonds, past and present, between Spain and France.
