State Visit from Russia to Spain; February 8-9, 2006

[Elsa M.]

http://www.hola.com/abonados/casasre...gala/?auth=yes

TM the King and Queen, accompanied by the Princes of Asturias and the Dukes by Palma, offered yesterday a gala dinner at the RoyalPalace, to honour the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and his wife, Liudmila. It was a dinner in which the ladies’ elegance was the dominant note.

After her maternity leave, Doña Letizia reappeared again as an authentic princess, with gown and tiara. For the occasion she chose a baroque body embroidered with gems in green, yellow, brown and pink tones and a diocechesca skirt in green emerald colour, signed by Lorenzo Caprile. As accessories, the Princess of Asturias shone a spectacular diamond tiara and a set of earrings and necklace of diamonds and emeralds.

HM the Queen was also dazzling, in a dress with gems embroiders in silver colour, a tiara and a diamond necklace. Infanta Cristina was the most minimalist of the three, wearing a tosted-coloured dress combined with a green jacket bullfighter-style.

Like the scenery, also the message was especially cared. During his speech, Don Juan Carlos praised the evolution of Russia and emphasized the contribution of the Russian people "in the transcendental process of construction of an effective system of democratic guarantees and establishment of the State of Right", but also the importance of a good management of the Russian power, since "the political and economic stability of the region and of the European continent depends largely on it".

Don Juan Carlos also alluded to the Declaration against the Terrorism that the Governments of Madrid and Moscow will subscribe today.

[lula]

From Casa Real

[purple_platinum]

several more from Day 1 courtesy of PPE

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several more from the gala banquet from DPA

[lula]

From londonfeatures

[agm]

captures from Telecinco

[xicamaluca]

Wow!! CP Letizia looked stuning I loved the embroidered top and the jewellery!!

What a comeback to gala scenes

[purple_platinum]

Day 1 from Corbis, the arrival at El Pardo

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Day 1 from Corbis, more from the arrival at El Pardo

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Day 1 from Corbis, the photo session before luncheon at Zarzuela Palace

[purple_platinum]

Day 1 from Corbis, Gala Banquet

[agm]

more captures from telecinco

[Little_star]

Wow! Letizia looked beautiful, I just love that embroidered top/jacket. It's a shame she opted for such a voluminous skirt it really doesn't flatter her. Other than that a thumbs up from me!

[lula]

From reuters via yahoo

[Little_star]

I was just looking at the photos and noticed Felipe has his arm around Letizia. How sweet, they are a very cute couple, mashallah.
http://img30.imagevenue.com/img.php?...2_16375559.jpg

[lula]

A photogallery of the dinner

http://www.abc.es/galerias/muestrare...repo=625&lugar=

And of Putin´s trip

http://www.elmundo.es/albumes/2006/0...ana/index.html

[LaChicaMadrilena]

From "HelloMagazine":
New mum Letizia joins Felipe back in the publick eye.
http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty...ipeandletizia/

[Emily]

Although I think I'm in the minority -- I thought Letizia's dress was stunning. The top had rich tones which for me are reminiscent of the jewel tones I somehow associate with Russia so I thought it was appropriate in that regard, but also, I just loved the whole outfit. The top had beautiful details on it and the skirt was rich and full and a lovely departure from the more tight fitting ensembles she usually wears. I wish she'd had her hair up entirely but with the same fullness in the back because I think it would have matched the formality of the gown better, but I really think she looked terrific.

[Lady Marmalade]

Princess Letizia's dress looks a little matronly...a little old for someone her age and with her body. A big change from the ball gowns she wore during her engagenment and shortly after her marriage.

The Queen looks chic as always. Princess Christina's dress is the same one she wore to the Danish Royal Wedding in 2004.

I totally respect these royal ladies for wearing their ball gowns more than once and know Queen Margrethe is a big fan of doing this, it helps keep costs down.

[grevinnan]

I believe Letizia will mature into a fabulous grand dame. She has a very individualistic aura and carries herself with a wonderful combination of class and humbleness yet leaving no doubt she is a hardworking and intelligent women. A young Q. Silvia comes to mind. With wonderful features and a great figure she will just look better and better.