queen letizia spain state event buckingham palace© Photo: Getty Images

Queen Letizia looks chic in sophisticated dress at state event

The Spanish royal looked breathtaking

Lifestyle Managing Editor
Updated: September 19, 2022

Queen Letizia and her husband King Felipe VI attended a special state event hosted by King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla on Sunday evening – and the Spanish royal's sartorial display was unparalleled as ever.

LIVE UPDATES: King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla host state event before Queen's funeral 

The royal, who turned 50 last week, looked chic in a black dress as she arrived at Buckingham Palace on the arm of her husband, shortly after touching down in London ahead of the Queen's state funeral on Monday.

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The loose-fitting dress designed by royally-approved brand Carolina Herrera featured an arrangement of applique flowers on one side and a simple round neck. Keeping her hair swept back, Letizia wore her locks in a chic chignon and the elegant style complemented her mimimal makeup look. 

© Photo: Getty Images

Queen Letizia looked perfect in Carolina Herrera

A pair of leather Prada pumps completed her head-to-toe designer aesthetic, in addition to a dazzling pair of diamond drop earrings by Harry Winston.

Earlier in the day, the couple attended Westminster Hall to see the Queen's coffin. Since touching down in the UK, Letizia was pictured by the MailOnline sporting another black ensemble, this time a black dress with a dramatic square neckline and long sleeves.

 Letizia added a nod to the late Queen in her simple outfit by wearing a sparkling brooch affixed to her dress. The monarch was well known for her vast collection of special brooches so it was a lovely tribute to the former monarch. 

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King Felipe looked dapper a black suit with matching black tie for the Buckingham Palace reception, which boasted a more relaxed dress code than state events typically require from guests.

While the event is classed as an evening reception, it has been decided that the dress code is lounge suit, meaning that royal ladies will not be required to wear tiaras.

© Photo: Getty Images

The royal joined members of the British royal family for the event 

There set rules around the wearing of tiaras, which are reserved for events that start after 5pm and there are only a certain number of occasions when it is appropriate – including inaugurations, royal dinners, and state visits.

The Spanish royals were two of 30 members of overseas royalty in attendance, including King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco. US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron were also on the exclusive guestlist.

As non-working royals, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew were not in attendance. 

MORE: King Charles' special health adjustments at state event ahead of the Queen's funeral

Queen Elizabeth II was a doting mother and grandmother to many, and on Monday, which has been confirmed as a national day of mourning, her loved ones will join international royals and world leaders at the Queen's state funeral at Westminster Abbey.

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