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.
with a dress from Carolina Herrera
(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.
