Queen Letizia once again made history at the gala dinner hosted this Wednesday, November 26, in honor of the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife, Elke Büdenbender.
The event, held during the official visit of the German couple to Spain, left a particularly commented image: the monarch returned to wear the iconic Cartier tiara, a legendary piece of royal jewelry that had not appeared in public for seven years.
A jewel with a royal past: from Victoria Eugenia to Queen Letizia
The tiara that Letizia recovered is one of the most unique pieces of the Royal House’s jewelry box. Cartier created it in the early twentieth century for Queen Victoria Eugenia inspired by Egyptian motifs, very fashionable at the time. The crown combines diamonds and pearls (although it originally included emeralds) and is considered one of the most valuable and symbolic jewels of the Bourbon legacy.
After passing into the hands of his daughter, the Infanta Maria Cristina, the piece returned to the core of the royal family thanks to a subsequent agreement with Juan Carlos I. From then on, it was frequently worn by Queen Sofia, who made it one of her favorite accessories for state ceremonies.
Before Letizia, the Infanta Cristina also had the opportunity to wear it at an international event: the wedding of Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling in 2010, a gesture that generated debate among experts as it is a tiara traditionally considered reserved for consort queens.
Letizia’s second appearance with Cartier tiara
Letizia had only worn this jewel once before: in 2018, during the official visit of the then Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. Seven years later, the queen has once again rescued it, combining it on this occasion with her signature Coreterno ring and diamond earrings belonging to the lot of jewels to pass, that set reserved for the exclusive use of the queens of Spain.
The monarch opted for a sober and elegant look that left all the protagonism to the tiara: she chose a black dress with a square neckline, short sleeves decorated with rhinestones and a deep opening in the back. As a stylistic gesture, she decided to dispense with bracelets or bangles, further accentuating the minimalist and sophisticated aesthetic that has been characterizing her latest gala outfits. The low updo reinforced the presence of the tiara and framed her face with great delicacy.
The contrast with the German first lady
While Letizia opted for the sobriety of black and the discreet shine of pearls and diamonds, Elke Büdenbender opted for an electric blue dress that brought a vibrant touch to the official pose. Interestingly, the same shade was the Queen’s choice for her previous gala dinner, held in honor of the Sultan of Oman.
What was clear, once again, is Letizia’s ability to balance tradition and innovation: she combines heritage pieces of enormous historical significance with a contemporary style that renews the image of Spanish royalty without losing formality.
