I think it´s time to explain the use and history of " Mantilla Española"
As the military protocol marks for acts of godmothers the etiquette for, Doña Letizia was dressing with black, long garment and with black mantilla.
Though the origin is not completely well-known, it is believed that the first veils and mantles that the women were using as adornment and as article of coat, are the origin of the first known mantillas; they were used, principally, as ornamental pieces in the wardrobe of the woman.
The evolution of this article(garment),was marked by social, religious and even climatic factors. The above mentioned were visible, in the type of fabric used for his confection. In the north zone thick fabrics were in use with a clear purpose: to use as coat. In the south zone, fabrics were in use with merely ornamental ends(purposes), as the silk. In both cases, they could go finamente adorned, those of "party" that were illuminated in notable, or simply adorned occasions, those of "diary".
The first uses of the mantilla, they were given between the people(village). They were not used by the high social classes or aristocracy. They were used, mas like mantle of coat that as ornamental article(garment)without using the comb ( "peineta" in spanish).
The queen Isabel II (1.833-1.868), very fond of the use of haidos and diadems, starts popularizing the use of the mantilla, custom that prompt there adopt the women nearest to she. The court ladies and of high social strata, begin to use the mantilla in diverse social acts, which helps to give her, to a great extent, a distinguished, such air and since to come to our days (though his use is very limited and slightly widespread).
The limited use of the mantilla in epochs following the reign of Isabel II, has, between other motives, her origin in the use of other customs that the new monarches were imposing. A notable fact, he is the acquaintance as " the conspiracy of the mantillas ". A form of protest of the Spanish women opposite to the new foreign customs that there seemed to want to impose Amadeo I king of Spain (Amadeo of Savoy 1845-1890) and his wife Maria Victoria.
Nowadays, the mantilla can be seen, almost of exclusive form, in the bulls, the Holy Week and in the weddings. It is not easy to see her in other events or ceremonies
Today in day in protocol of the RoyalSpanish House, uses the mantilla in the acts of coupling, and some religious acts, specially in Andalucia.
http://www.protocolo.org/gest_web/proto_Seccion.pl?rfID=185&arefid=447&pag=1