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Spain

King Felipe and Queen Letizia’s State Visit to Italy mixes politics, degrees and glitz

King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain have completed a high profile State Visit to Italy. And amidst the formal and constitutional events, there was glitz as they attended a gala dinner.

On the start of day one of the State Visit, the Spanish King and Queen accompanied President Sergio Mattarella to a wreath-laying ceremony at the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument.

A solemn wreath laying ceremony began the State Visit to Italy by the King and Queen of Spain
(Casa de S.M. el Rey)

Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, then hosted the couple for a lunch at the Villa Doria Pamphili. 

The Prime Minister of Italy with the King and Queen of Spain
(Casa de S.M. el Rey)

Queen Letizia wore a light pink Carolina Herrera suit throughout the day. In a deviation from the darker colours she normally wears, this pale pink embroidered suit with exaggerated draws the eye with its silhouette. 

King Felipe and Queen Letizia visit the Senate on the first day of their trip to Rome
(Casa de S.M. el Rey)

President Mattarella and his daughter, Laura Mattarella, hosted King Felipe and Queen Letizia for a gala dinner on Wednesday evening at Quirinal Palace. 

King Felipe and Queen Letizia arrive for the gala dinner at the Quirinal Palace
(Casa de S.M. el Rey)

There were no tiaras or orders but Queen Letizia provided plenty of sparkle as she wore a black Max Mara gown for the dinner. The sleeveless bodice on the gown is made of silk georgette with the skirt in satin, with the contrast providing an elegant detail. 

Queen Letizia meets members of the UN FAO during her visit to Rome
(Casa de S.M. el Rey)

The State Visit also saw King Felipe address an Italian-Spanish business forum while Queen Letizia met members of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations of which she is an ambassador.

King Felipe received an honorary degree in Naples
(Casa de S.M. el Rey)

The later part of the State Visit saw King Felipe and Queen Letizia head to Naples where the monarch was made a Doctor Honoris Causa at the University of Frederick II of Naples. Before the investiture, the King and Queen of Spain toured the San Carlo Theatre where the degree was presented.

In Naples, they also visited the Villa Rosebery, one of the official residences of the President of Italy.

About author

Historian and blogger at AnHistorianAboutTown.com