Latest news with #QueenLetizia
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Princess Leonor of Spain says 'hola' to the Big Apple as her Navy training ship docks in New York
Princess Leonor of Spain looked every inch a poised naval cadet as she arrived in New York on board a Spanish Navy training ship today. The 19-year-old Crown Princess of Spain, who began her military training two summers ago, blended in with her fellow cadets in a crisp white uniform complete with black insignia. The royal took her hat off and saluted onlookers as she stood proudly aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano as it arrived in the US. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her peers, the Princess appeared in great spirits as she beamed on arrival. With her long blonde hair neatly tucked back, Leonor blended seamlessly in. According to EDATV News, Princess Leonor will not continue the return trip to Spain. Instead, she will return by plane to board the Spanish Navy guided missile frigate Blas de Lezo, where she will complete an essential part of her naval training. However, on July 7, she is scheduled to reunite with the ship and her classmates in Gijón, Spain. After completing her stint at the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, Leonor is now gaining naval experience before moving on to air force training later this year. It follows heartwarming footage from last month that shows the Princess embracing her mother, Queen Letizia, after four months apart. The Spanish royals were reunited at the Port of Fuerte Amador in Panama City, after Letizia flew more than 8,000 miles across the globe to see her daughter. The pair had not seen each other since January, when the young royal set sail aboard the Juan Sebastian. Moving video from the Spanish Royal Household captured the moment they were finally reunited, with Leonor running across the port to greet her mother. She was soon embraced in an effusive hug that was so powerful that Leonor had to take her hat off, while the Queen had tears in her eyes. They were then pictured excitedly catching up, as Leonor, who previously graduated from UWC Atlantic, her independent boarding school in South Wales, has been on a whirlwind adventure. Letizia's visit to Panama was an unofficial trip, sources at Zarzuela Palace told Spain's Hola! Magazine. The royal took her hat off and saluted onlookers as she stood proudly aboard the Juan Sebastián de Elcano as it arrived in the US today After her arrival in New York, Princess Leonor will not continue the return trip to Spain with her classmates. Instead, she will return by plane to board the Spanish Navy guided missile frigate Blas de Lezo, where she will complete an essential part of her naval training And their moving reunion was made all the more special - as it was Mother's Day in Spain. While Leonor was smartly kitted out in her naval uniform, her mother had chosen to wear matching shades of white in casual jeans, T-shirt and white trainers. For the Crown Princess's training cruise, she is sailing through two oceans, and visiting 10 ports and eight countries in America, according to La Vanguardia. The Princess of Asturias, as she is also known, participated in a visit to Panama Viejo, took a short walk to the Cathedral Tower and visited several rooms of the Museum (of Panama Viejo), which has a commemorative plaque of the visit of His Majesty the King 2019. Leonor is following in the footsteps of her father King Felipe as well as her grandfather Juan Carlos, who all attended military training with every of the three armed services in the country. Navy Captain Pedro Cardona Suanzes, director-commandant of the Naval Military School in Marín, previously described the daily routine of the midshipmen to the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia. He said that their life is 'non-stop' adding that there are constant tasks for them to do, from the minute they wake up until they go to bed in the evening. The captain said the day starts at 6.45am. They then shower, make their beds and go and get breakfast all before 7.30am - when their white uniforms are inspected to be 'spotless'. During the week, all students must be in bed before 10.45pm to ensure they get their full eight hours of sleep. On weekends, pupils are allowed to wake up two hours later than usual, at 8.45am and first-years are allowed to stay up until 1.30am in the morning. Before she started her three-year training, Leonor revealed her enthusiasm for becoming a cadet at the Princesa de Girona Foundation award ceremony in Girona last year. She said at the time: 'I have just finished high school and I am about to start a new stage with a period of military training. 'I am happy because I know how much the Spanish value our armed forces... it is an important moment in my life and I feel very excited and determined to continue learning and giving my best effort.'
South China Morning Post
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Why some royals wore white to the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, from Queens Letizia to Sofía – but what unconventional shade did Queen Elizabeth wear to meet Pope Francis?
It is customary to wear black in front of the pope, and as politicians and Europe's royals gathered in St Peter's Square in The Vatican on May 18, most adhered to the tradition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and first lady Olena Zelenska both opted for dark attire, while US Vice-President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance also chose sombre shades, with the second lady also wearing a black mantilla, the traditional veil worn by women during mass. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (centre) receives applause from attendees as Pope Leo XIV mentions the situation in Ukraine during his inaugural mass in Vatican City on May 18. Photo: EPA-EFE Advertisement So why were a handful of the women from Europe's royal families clad in virgin white? The answer is a long-held custom held by the Catholic Church called the 'privilège du blanc' – the privilege of white – that permits select Catholic queens and princesses to wear white in the presence of the pontiff. Currently, there are only seven women in the world who can exercise this right: Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg , and Princess Marina of Naples. Here are some all-white looks the royals have worn in the pope's presence. King Felipe VI (right) and Queen Letizia of Spain attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. Photo: IPA via Zuma Press At the pontiff's inaugural mass, Queen Letizia wore a white Redondo dress along with a white lace veil. Monaco's Prince Albert and Princess Charlene arrive for the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV. Photo: Reuters Princess Charlene of Monaco, the first Monégasque princess to wear white in front of the pope, also wore a white veil and an icy hued midi-length Elie Saab dress.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain play proud parents as they hug Infanta Sofía, 18, on her graduation day from 'hippie Hogwarts' school
Infanta Sofía of Spain has celebrated her graduation from Wales's 'hippie Hogwarts' school with her proud parents, Queen Letizia and King Felipe. The 18-year-old royal picked up her graduation certificate from UWC Atlantic College in Llantwit Major this weekend and was joined by her royal mother and father in joyful family scenes - while her sister Leonor, 19, sent a sweet video message from her naval . While King Felipe, 57, and Queen Letizia, 52, made the journey to the Welsh county of Vale of Glamorgan, her older sister Crown Princess Leonor, 19, was not at the celebration. At the 'Leaver's Celebration' Sofía posed for family pictures in a smart and stylish bright red, one shoulder jumpsuit while her mother wore a pillarbox red suit over a plain black top. Felipe wore a grey double breasted suit over a white shirt which he paired with an eye-catching pink spotted tie. In sweet photos posted on Instagram by the Royal Household, Sofía held up her diploma certificate and was embraced tightly by her proud parents. Felipe was also spotted taking photos on his phone of Queen Letizia with her arms around their youngest daughter as the family celebrated the happy occasion. Elsewhere, Sofía was pictured standing with her classmates as she waited to pick up her certificate, before shaking hands with her tutor to accept it. During the ceremony to mark the completion of her International Baccalaureate studies, the graduate was showered with praise by her tutor who highlighted her personal and educational achievements, The Times reports. He said: 'Sofía's journey has been marked by her perseverance and remarkable personal growth; she has gone from being an empathetic and affectionate listener by nature to being an accredited "supportive companion". A true friend in difficult times… we will miss Sofía's warmth and vibrant spirit very much.' Sofía's older sister Leonor also attended so-called 'Hippie Hogwarts', dubbed so thanks to its alternative approach to education. Future queen Leonor graduated in 2023 and is now in the second year of her three years of military training before she attends university. The older princess is currently aboard Juan Sebastián de Elcano engaged in naval training so was unable to attend Sofía's celebration in person, although the sisters were no doubt in touch on the special day. Leonor sent her younger sibling a sweet video message from the high seas to congratulate her sister on graduating - while also wishing her a belated happy birthday after she turned 18 on April 29. Leonor's touching video was shared on Instagram by the Royal Household and began with her and her fellow trainees singing happy birthday to Sofía, which was on 29 April but they were unable to share the clip nearer to the date due to technical issues. After the birthday song a montage of clips and pictures of the sisters from their childhood up until the present day were shown. The adorable snaps showed the two sisters as young royals accompanying their parents at official engagements and also included more candid at home videos of them as toddlers. The most recent images showed the close sisters enjoying sporting events and posing for casual mirror selfies. At the end of the video Leonor addressed her younger sister directly on the deck of the naval boat while dressed in her uniform. Sofía received high praise from one of her tutors as she accepted her certificate during the formal part of the ceremony Who is UWC's founder Kurt Hahn? Kurt Matthias Robert Martin Hahn CBE was a German educator. He founded several schools in Germany and the UK, including Prince Charles' former boarding school Gordonstoun, and the United World Colleges. Hahn's educational philosophy was based on respect for adolescents, whom he believed to possess an innate decency and moral sense, but who were, he believed, corrupted by society as they aged. He believed that education could prevent this corruption, if students were given opportunities for personal leadership and to see the results of their own actions. This is one reason for the focus on outdoor adventure in his philosophy. Hahn founded the institutions as a practical response to the search for new and peaceful solutions in a post-war world riven by political, racial and economic divisions. Hahn had been invited to address the NATO Defence College, where he saw former enemies from several nations working together towards a common goal. With a number of colleagues Hahn realised how much more could be done to overcome the hostility of the Cold War if young people from different nations could be brought together in a similar way. He envisaged a college for students who were already grounded in their own cultures but impressionable enough to learn from others. Drawn from all nations, the students would be selected purely on merit and potential, regardless of race, religion, nationality and background. In Spanish, Leonor said: 'Hi Sofía, I couldn't be there in Wales today to be with you on your graduation day, but I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate you. 'I'm so proud of you, and I'll see you back home soon to celebrate. Enjoy yourselves and lots of kisses.' Sofía's celebration comes after two years of studying at the prestigious school which is based in the medieval St Donat's Castle, surrounded by 122 acres of woodlands and within walking distance from the ocean. When the Spanish royal family announced that Sofía would be attending the Welsh boarding school it was noted that she would be enrolling in courses that covered 'both science and arts,' as wells taking part in more creative opportunities such as theatre, music, and sports. In the announcement the family also confirmed that they would be covering the £68,000 fee for Sofía's two year course with their personal finaces. The statement read: 'The cost of the international baccalaureate that the Infanta Sofía will take will also be paid in full personally by Their Majesties the King and Queen with their annual allowance.' UWC Atlantic College was founded by German educationalist Kurt Hahn in 1962 and has been dubbed Hippie Hogwarts for it's progressive approach to education. The school is one of 18 which make up the The United World College Movement, which according to it's website 'is a global education movement that makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.' At the school's helm as co-presidents are The Queen and Queen Noor of Jordan so it comes as no surprise that the student cohort and it's alumni includes several other royals. King Willem-Alexander, the King of the Netherlands, studied at the College from 1983 to 1985. His daughter Princess Alexia of the Netherlands followed in his footsteps and graduated in 2023, the same year as Leonor. Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, the daughter of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, enrolled at the school in 2018 but had her time at the castle cut short due to Covid-19 and was forced to continue her studies online at home. Meanwhile Princess Raiyah of Jordan, the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Noor also attended the institution before going on to study Japanese at The University of Edinburgh. Students at the school are housed in eight purpose-built boarding houses which accommodate roughly 48 students each. St Donat's Castle is the main building of the College and houses the Tudor Great Hall, the Gothic Dining Hall, the Bradenstoke Hall used for assemblies and performances and an extensive 25,000-book Library. While some teaching does take part in the castle many classes are held in modern academic blocks which were built in the 1960s-80s. Unlike most students those at UWC only have lessons for half the day. The first class begins at 8am and teaching wraps up by lunchtime. The school covers all the usual core subjects such as Economics, English Literature, Mathematics, History, and the Sciences but also boasts a wide range of optional courses including Design Tech, Visual Arts, Film studies, Music and Global Politics. Alongside their studies students at Hippie Hogwarts must also undertake a minimum of two hours of community service, two hours of physical activity and a further two hours of creative activity each week. The schools website says it seeks to 'inspire changemakers' and looks for students who 'can navigate the complexity of life and (reach) beyond easy answers.' According to The Times Spanish media has reported that Sofía is likely to go on to attend university rather than begin military training like her sister did after completing her studies at UWC.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How Queen Letizia's wedding dress became one of the most expensive in royal history - and cost even more than Kate Middleton's £250,000 gown
Today marks the 21st wedding anniversary of Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain. The royal couple tied the knot on May 22, 2004, in a glittering ceremony at Madrid's Almudena Cathedral, where then-Crown Prince Felipe married news anchor Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano. Letizia captivated the crowd as she walked down the aisle in an extraordinary gown designed by the late Spanish couturier Manuel Pertegaz. The structured ivory dress, reportedly worth an astonishing £6million, is regarded as one of the most expensive royal wedding gowns in history. Its elegant silhouette featured a high-standing collar and a dramatic 15-foot train, beautifully embroidered with fleur-de-lis and ears of wheat - a tribute to the Prince of Asturias' crest. Letizia accessorised with diamond drop earrings gifted by her future in-laws, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia, along with elegant Pura Lopez court shoes. She crowned her ensemble with the historic Prussian tiara, previously worn by Queen Sofia at her own wedding in 1962. Letizia's cascading bouquet carried personal meaning, blending apple blossom to honour her home city of Oviedo with orange blossom, a tribute to Felipe's late grandmother, the Countess of Barcelona. Blue-tinted Hildegarde iris and ivory Elizabethan roses paid homage to the House of Bourbon, her husband's royal lineage. The grand wedding welcomed more than 1,000 guests. Bridesmaids Victoria Codorniu and Claudia González wore traditional gowns by Spanish designer Lorenzo Caprile. The couple's romance began quietly, following their first meeting during Felipe's visit to the site of an oil spill that Letizia was reporting on. Their surprise engagement was announced in November 2003, and the wedding took place just two months after the devastating Madrid train bombings. In a heartfelt gesture, the couple dedicated their nuptials to the victims of the tragedy. Letizia's gown surpassed even the most iconic British royal wedding dresses in cost. By comparison, Princess Kate's dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, cost an estimated £250,000. Crafted from ivory satin and adorned with handmade lace by the Royal School of Needlework, Kate's gown featured a nearly nine-foot train and was reportedly paid for by her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Princess Eugenie's 2018 dress, designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos, cost around £200,000. It incorporated several meaningful motifs, including a Thistle for Scotland, a Shamrock for Ireland, and the York Rose. Notably, the low-back design showcased a surgical scar from a procedure that Eugenie had to correct scoliosis - curvature of the spine - when she was aged 12. Princess Diana's unforgettable 1981 wedding dress, created by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, was valued at £151,000. Made of ivory silk taffeta and embellished with 10,000 pearls, the gown featured a record-breaking 25-foot train. To ensure a perfect fit down the aisle of St Paul's Cathedral, the designers even measured it in secret. Meghan's elegant Givenchy gown, estimated at £110,000, was designed by Clare Waight Keller. Crafted from double-bonded silk cady with a triple organza underskirt, the look was completed by a 16-foot veil embroidered with the national flowers of all 53 Commonwealth countries - an effort that took 3,900 hours to complete. Queen Elizabeth's £30,000 gown was made by British couturier Norman Hartnell. Because of rationing measures in place after the war, the dress was paid for with clothing ration coupons Even Queen Elizabeth II's wedding dress carried immense historical value. Costing £30,000, it was designed by Norman Hartnell and paid for with clothing ration coupons. The duchesse satin gown, inspired by Botticelli's Primavera, included a sweeping 13-foot train and ornate embroidery of golden floral and wheat motifs, studded with 10,000 seed pearls symbolising renewal. Hartnell secretly sewed a clover into the skirt for good luck, positioned so the Queen could rest her hand on it during the ceremony.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Only a handful of women allowed to wear white to Pope Leo XIV's inauguration— here's why everyone else must dress in black
Pope Leo XIV's inauguration ceremony took place in Vatican City earlier today. Many were in attendance, and as tradition goes — when a person is in the presence of a pope, they dress in black, except for Queen Letizia of Spain, who is one of seven women in the world who were granted permission to wear white around the head of the Catholic Church. The privilège du blanc, which translates to privilege of white, is a custom in the Catholic Church that appoints a select group of royal Catholic women to wear white instead of the customary black. Black garments signify 'humility and the desire to remain unnoticed,' Dr. Taylor Marshall explained on X (formerly Twitter). When in the Pope's presence, typically everyone must wear black. Women must specifically wear black attire that covers their knees and long sleeves that cover their shoulders. They must also cover their chest to prevent any cleavage from potentially showing. In addition to Queen Letizia of Spain — the six other women who are the exception to this rule are Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Princess Marina of Naples. They are the only ones to have privilège du blanc, according to Town & Country. 'It's a reminder that the Catholic Church holds high standards for the attire of the laity and recognizes Catholic monarchs as integral to Christendom,' Marshall said in his tweet. 'Le Privilège du Blanc isn't just about white dresses; it's about history, influence, and remains an essential reminder of the history (and future) of Christendom.' Queen Letizia of Spain was seen wearing white during a private visit with Pope Francis back in June 2014 — and of course, Pope Leo XIV's inauguration wasn't any different. At the ceremony, she donned a stunning white long-sleeved tea-length dress with an asymmetrical draped neckline from Redondo Brand, nude Magrit heels, Ansorena1845 pearl drop earrings, a small white square purse, complete with a lace veil over her head, according to WWD. She was joined by Princess Charlene of Monaco and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who were also wearing white at Sunday's ceremony. Tens of thousands of people were in attendance at Vatican City, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana and other members of Congress.
