Queen Letizia of Spain, known for her refined and elegant style, made a dazzling impression at a gala dinner held at the Royal Palace in Madrid on Tuesday.

Stepping out in full regalia, the 53-year-old queen, who is married to King Felipe VI, captivated royal enthusiasts with her stunning appearance, showcasing a glamorous transformation.

This striking appearance follows in the wake of the Princess of Wales’s memorable gold ensemble during the state banquet for the Trumps, but this time, it was Letizia’s moment to capture the spotlight.

Drawing inspiration from the royal fashion trailblazed by Kate during state banquets, Queen Letizia turned heads in a floor-length cobalt blue silk gown by The Second Skin Co. She adorned her look with a magnificent Cartier tiara and exquisite diamond earrings.

The gala dinner, held in honor of Haitham Bin Tariq, the Sultan and Prime Minister of Oman, as part of his three-day visit to Spain, saw Letizia trading her usual subtle elegance for a more glamorous and polished appearance.

For the event – a gala dinner for Haitham Bin Tariq, the sultan and prime minister of Oman, as part of his three-day state visit to Spain – Letizia swapped her usual understated look for something much more glossy.

With her shoulder-length hair arranged in loose curls rather than her typical smooth blow dry, the royal chose a sophisticated make-up style centering on warm bronze shades, a smoky eye and shiny lips.

Letizia, who shares two daughters with Felipe, used a shimmery blush to accentuate her cheekbones while layered mascara and prominent, arched eyebrows had the effect of opening up her hazel eyes.

The Queen of Spain’s outfit, including her striking jewellery and 19th century Cartier tiara, was also uncharacteristically theatrical.

Queen Letizia of Spain (pictured) debuted a glamourous new look at a state banquet in Madrid on Tuesday evening 

The royal left behind her understated look in favour of something much more glossy

She wore a full-length gown in a rich blue satin and opted for a heavier make-up look that accentuated her cheekbones and opened up her eyes 

Letizia stood out in a royal blue satin gown by Spanish fashion brand The 2nd Skin Co, which has built a strong following thanks to its beautiful bridal dresses.

The label’s ‘Suraia’ dress, identified by the Royal Fashion Daily blog on Instagram, had a round, high-cut collar and three-quarter length sleeves featuring bows.

The floor-length gown, which contrasted with the cocktail dresses that Letizia often chooses, had a trailing skirt and, cinched at the waist with a blue suede belt, drew attention to her slim waist.

Letizia paired her formal gown with platform heels, specifically, the ‘Monroe’ style from Martinelli’s collaboration with Redondo Brand.

The most striking part of the royal’s elaborate ensemble, however, was her pearl and diamond tiara, which, according to the Royal Watcher, dates back to 1886.

Officially known as the Cartier Loop tiara, the headwear was first made for Queen Maria Christina, the wife of King Alfonso XII, whose reign as the Spanish king spanned 1874 to 1885. 

It is also said to be a favourite of Letizia’s mother-in-law, Queen Sofía, 87.

Letizia completed her look on Tuesday night with a pair of prominent diamond earrings, which perfectly complemented her blue gown, and a collar which appeared to feature the insignia of Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III.

It comes just months after the Princess of Wales stole the show in gold during the King and Queen’s state banquet for the Trumps – now Letizia has taken her time to shine

Letizia (pictured in December 2024) has always preferred a more natural style 

Felipe, meanwhile, looked dapper in a black suit made up of a tailcoat and slim trousers, and adorned with various medals.

During the course of the evening Felipe and Letizia appeared to share a tender moment, smiling as they stared into each other’s eyes. 

Letizia, who has attended a number of events since Haitham Bin Tariq arrived in Spain earlier this week, isn’t the only Spanish royal who has had a busy autumn.

Indeed, Princess Leonor, 19, the eldest of the royal couple’s daughters, debuted her Air Force uniform in October as she joined her family for the Spanish National Day celebrations.

Leonor was accompanied by her parents and her sister Infanta Sofia, 18, at the formal reception at Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.

The national day festivities, which were led by the Royal Family – and notably the king – included a number of activities.

King Felipe and his wife and daughters gathered to watch a procession, before then greeting dignitaries and taking them to the royal residence.

While all eyes were, as ever, on the whole family, many were interested in seeing Princess Leonor, who has been increasing her public profile in recent times – even making her first official visit to the parliament building the Palacio del Gobierno de Navarra last month.

Even on formal occasions, such as a reception for the diplomatic corps at the Royal Palace in January, Letizia preferred to wear separates rather than a traditional gown 

She has always worn her brunette locks in a straight blow dry but this week opted for a more regal look of loose curls 

Leonor (who remains as heir to the throne so long as her parents don’t give birth to a son, as Spanish law still favours male primogeniture when it comes to the crown and its succession) looked every inch the Air Force cadet in her smart uniform.

She wore dark blue trousers and a matching jacket, with well-polished patent shoes, white gloves, and peaked uniform cap. 

Meanwhile, the Queen was typically stylish in a green boatneck midi-length frock, paired with low heeled, pointed black sling backs, a coordinated slim belt, and handbag.

Making a trip back to her home nation from Portugal, where she is currently studying, Infanta Sofia of Spain opted for a navy frock with white polka dots, and a navy cape. 

Sofia made her debut at the palace portion of the day on Sunday, after turning 18 earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Leonor is currently undergoing her three-year military training: she embarked on her final year earlier this month. 

As she is the heir to the throne, Leonor will one day take the title of Commander in Chief of the armed forces, alongside being the Queen of Spain, and therefore has to spend time in each section of defence. 

She spent her first year of training with the General Military Academy in Zaragoza, before completing her naval training this summer. 

The state banquet on Tuesday was held for the Sultan of Oman, Haitham Bin Tariq, as part of his three-day visit to Spain 

King Felipe, who looked dapper in a tailcoat and slim trousers, and Letizia shared a tender moment during the course of the evening 

In January, she boarded the Juan Sebastián de Elcano, a Spanish Navy training ship.

Then, in June, the royal and her fellow cadets arrived in New York on board the vessel. 

Leonor was not reported to have taken the ship back to Spain, instead returning by plane to board the Spanish Navy guided missile frigate Blas de Lezo, where she was scheduled to complete an essential part of her naval training.

The royal looked every inch a poised naval cadet as she arrived in the States, blending, in her crisp white uniform complete with black insignia.

She took off her hat and saluted onlookers as she stood proudly aboard the ship as it arrived in the US.

The royal started her aeronautical training after arriving at the General Air and Space Academy in San Javier on September 1. 

A message written in the Academy’s Book of Honour by Leonor said: ‘Today I begin the third stage of my military training at this General Air and Space Academy. I look forward with enthusiasm to this course, during which I will have the opportunity to begin my aeronautical training and, alongside my classmates, learn the practical and theoretical aspects of military aviation.’

After being found ‘flight fit’ before the Summer, the princess is taking a number of theoretical classes, before she takes to the skies – with reports saying that by Christmas, it’s estimated that she will have started flying.