Europe was dazzling in jewels yesterday as Luxembourg and Spain held simultaneous state banquets. Find out about the visits and what they wore.
It was a tiara return in Europe last evening as two royal families hosted simultaneous state visits. The significant occasion calls for the most formal of attire, which for royal women, includes historical pieces that date back centuries. On the practical side, the visits give the two countries an opportunity to reaffirm their ties and celebrate diplomatic friendship.
In Spain, the morning started with an official welcoming ceremony at the Royal Palace of Madrid. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia received President Emmanuel Macron with Brigitte Macron on the Patio de Armas (Parade Ground) with accompanying military honours. The two couples then sat down for lunch before the President and First Lady departed for separate afternoon engagements.
Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey
The day ended with a state banquet at the Palace offered by King Felipe and Queen Letizia. The Queen dazzled in a “Cloudy Blue” Carolina Herrera crepe gown, accessorised with the historic 19th-century Spanish Floral Tiara and diamond earrings from her wedding collection.
Photo: © Casa de S.M. el Rey
Over in Luxembourg, Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie welcomed President Alexander Stubb of Finland, accompanied by Mrs Suzanne Innes-Stubb, on their two-day state visit to the Grand Duchy — the first incoming state visit since the Grand Duke’s accession. After the welcome at the Palace, the two couples proceeded to City Hall where they joined alderpersons and the municipal council in a ceremony punctuated by musical interludes from the Conservatory of the City of Luxembourg.
Photo: © Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey
Back at the Grand Ducal Palace in the evening, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess hosted their own state banquet in honour of the Finnish Presidential Couple. Stephanie wore the Grand Duchess Josephine Charlotte’s Sapphire Necklace Tiara with the Nassau Diamond Bracelets.
Photo: © Maison du Grand-Duc / Kary Barthelmey
Speeches were given, during which Grand Duke Guillaume noted the “capacity to confront challenges with resilience and foresight, and to transform these challenges into lasting sources of strength.”
Our stories are different. Our geography is different. Yet both our countries have learned that openness is not a vulnerability but a source of strength. We have learned that diversity enriches our societies. And we have learned that our voice carries furthest when it is joined with those of trusted friends and partners. — Grand Duke Guillaume
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