King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain threw open the palace doors to host a gala dinner on Monday night. The royal couple were welcoming Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia, and his wife María Clemencia Rodríguez Múnera, among other special guests.
As this was only the second time that Felipe and Letizia have hosted a gala since becoming king and queen last year, the mum-of-two donned her finest for the lavish celebration.
Letizia opted to wear an exquisite gown made by one of her favourite Spanish designers Felipe Varela. The queen has previously worn the blue-grey number to the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands in 2013.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWhile Letizia flaunted her usual grace and sophistication this time around, the queen completed her look with one notable difference – her glittering Diamond Floral Tiara. The tiara was originally a wedding gift from the Spanish government to the former Queen Sofia of Spain – Letizia's mother-in-law – when she married Juan Carlos I in 1962.
A favourite piece of the brunette beauty, Letizia has borrowed the jewel on various occasions. She most recently wore it last October at a gala dinner for Michelle Bachelet, the president of Chile.
Queen Letizia's diamond floral tiara was originally a 1962 wedding gift to her mother-in-law Queen Sofia
Adding even more sparkle to her outfit, Letizia pinned the Fleur de Lis brooch on her royal blue sash. She matched her husband Felipe in his traditional look, as the king was also dressed in full regalia.
A total of 110 guests passed through the palace doors to attend the dinner, including the Spanish president Mariano Rajoy and big names from the Spanish world of arts and sports, such as the Colombian football star James Rodríguez who plays for Real Madrid.
The gala dinner was held in honour of Colombian president Juan Santos and his wife María
The party dined on a mix of Spanish and Colombian dishes, including a chocolate dessert that was infused with Colombian coffee. They were also served wine from both countries.
During the evening, Felipe – who ascended the throne in June 2014 after his father abdicated – gave a speech in which he assured President Santos that his government could count on Spain to support Colombia in their mission to achieve total peace with the FARC guerrillas.
