The Queen of Spain has been following the lead of Queen Elizabeth II as she received a very important gift.
Queen Letizia was formally presented with her own official portrait and the artist behind it is her big connection to Elizabeth II.
Letizia’s portrait is photographic and was taken by renowned US artist, Annie Leibowitz.
The star photographer was on hand in Madrid as Queen Letizia and her husband, King Felipe VI, came up close with the images which were first unveiled at the end of 2024.
They are on display at the Bank of Spain which always has a portrait of the monarch and consort in its collection.
For this latest addition, marking the tenth anniversary of Felipe VI’s accession to the throne in 2014, the king and queen posed for photographs.
The results have been praised for their sense of history and their epic nature. Queen Letizia, known for her love of fashion, selected a vintage gown by Balenciaga for the portrait.
Annie Leibowitz was on hand to greet the King and Queen of Spain as they arrived to see the portraits which are part of an exhibition called ‘The Tyranny of Chronos”.
Leibowitz’s sessions with Queen Elizabeth II, in 2007 and 2016, produced some of the most iconic images of her record breaking reign as well as a famous moment when the photographer suggested removing a tiara for a more relaxed look with the late Queen responding ”less dressy? What do you think this is?”
Queen Letizia isn’t wearing a tiara in the photo though whether she turned up with one for the shoot isn’t known.
