Dressing Standards and Protocols of Royal Houses

Duc_et_Pair · Mar 24, 2015

We have seen the State Visit from the King and Queen of the Netherlands to Denmark, last week. We have seen how Queen Máxima, Queen Margrethe, Crown Princess Mary, Princess Marie, Princess Benedikte and Princess Elisabeth dressed. All with flair and elegance, all with hats and gloves.

I know that the Spanish Court does no longer uphold an etiquette which requires ladies wearing hats and gloves, but the Queen was visiting Paris, the world-famously elegant capital of my country, Spain's most important neighbour ánd a glorious visit by a Bourbon King to a city with so much Bourbon history...

The tragic crash of the GermanWings Airbus of course changed everything. But when the royal couple left from the Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas and arrived at the Aéroport de Paris-Orly, the Queen was already wearing her "State Visit Outfit".

In comparison with how all the ladies looked in Copenhagen last week, I was underwhelmed by Queen Letizia's appearance. I am sorry to say. No offense intended.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia leaving for a State Visit to the République française (click on the picture to enlarge)

King Felipe and Queen Letizia during the official welcome ceremony at the L'Hôtel des Invalides in Paris (click on the picture to enlarge)

:flowers:

Nico · Mar 24, 2015

Duc_et_Pair said:
So Amen!

And to all posters who probably think, "Ah... come on... just hats and gloves, pffff": think about State Visits with Elizabeth II, Silvia, Máxima, Camilla, etc. just going 'business as usual', reviewing military ceremonial or riding in a gala carriage, all bareheaded, just like everyone else.

I think Queen Letizia underestimates the importance and force of the so-called theatre of state and how important a dignified decorum is for a monarchy.

You seem to forget that Queen Sofia herself didn't wear gloves and hats during State visits at home or abroad, and i don't think that she underestimated anything ... That the style of the Royal Court in Spain and i can't see Letizia changing the rules established by her distinguished mother in law.

As for the State visits in France, they have been particularly low key for years, since 2010 or so, during the Sarkozy administration. The notable exception was of course the State Visit of QEII last june.

Duc_et_Pair · Mar 24, 2015

Nico said:
You seem to forget that Queen Sofia herself didn't wear gloves and hats during State visits at home or abroad [....]

Oh yes, she did.

Oh yes....

State Visit to the Netherlands

State Visit to Norway

State Visit to Sweden

State Visit to the United Kingdom

State Visit to France

State Visit to Belgium

Etc.

:flowers:

lula · Mar 24, 2015

Queen Sofía used hat occasionally in the early years, and after when the protocol of the host country requires it. But for 30 years is something she doesn´t usually wear, something only used exceptionally by the protocol obligation. Also she did not use tiara on state visits to republics.

The dress code and protocol in the Spanish Royal Family are simpler ... and they will not change.

Rania of Jordan or Lalla Salma don´t wear hat and I do not read some people here constantly complaining about it.

Al_bina · Mar 24, 2015

Queen Rania and Lalla Salma are not European. So they have a bit of freedom interpreting the European protocol.
Unlike Infanta Elena, Queen Letizia usually fails to pull off a hat or headpiece.

Nico · Mar 24, 2015

If needed, she can pull off some millinery ;

Queen Letizia of Spain Pictures - Inauguration of King Willem-Alexander - Zimbio

Queen Letizia of Spain Hats - StyleBistro

Queen Letizia of Spain Decorative Hat - Queen Letizia of Spain Hats - StyleBistro

AnaC · Mar 24, 2015

Al_bina said:
Queen Rania and Lalla Salma are not European. So they have a bit of freedom interpreting the European protocol.
Unlike Infanta Elena, Queen Letizia usually fails to pull off a hat or headpiece.

And where on earth does it say in European protocol that women should wear hats and gloves when the men are in suits? Nowhere, as Queen Sofía always showed us when she went on state visits in the last 30 years. Nico has posted some photos of Queen Sofía on a state visit to France in 2006, without hat or gloves. All of us who follow Queen Letizia and the Spanish Royal Family regularly know that the Spanish royal ladies don't wear hats unless the dress code calls for it (morning suit/uniform) and that only outside Spain. To expect that Queen Letizia will step out in a hat is unrealistic, and to start harping on it on the forums and compare her with other royals a sure way to get everyone frustrated and bored of having the same discussion for the nth time.

Duc_et_Pair · Mar 25, 2015

AnaC said:
And where on earth does it say in European protocol that women should wear hats and gloves when the men are in suits? [...]

The dresscode is mentioned on the invitation or in the protocollary agenda. Hats, gloves and jewels are always optional but hey... we are not speaking about the wife of the mayor of Oviedo, we are talking about Her Majesty The Queen of Spain.

We see the Queen of a glorious kingdom visiting another glorious, proud country, a former Bourbon-kingdom even, dressed just like a lady working at Caja Madrid (a bank). Shouldn't a Queen make an impression of Oh... wow... what a grande dame? instead of looking like the secretary of that bearded gentleman next to her?

Now this is explained as "Queen Sofía never did and so Queen Letizia never does". That might be logical when someone has no example to follow and does not come from a naturally "hat wearing culture". But Mary of Denmark, Máxima of the Netherlands, Catherine of Cambridge, Camilla of Cornwall, all turned out ladies who show who they are, using all trappings when needed and wearing headgear avec verve.

And... when Doña Letizia wears a hat, wow... she looks so good, so well-dressed, so every inch royal. Such a simple accessoire can really uplift a whole appearance.

:flowers:

This is so wonderful, what a beautiful appearance.

Imagine the very same dress but now without hat, it would immediately bring the whole "image" down

From top down every inch a royal lady

So I hope Doña Letizia will discover the pleasure of wearing hats and/or gloves and the great effect it often will have on her already easy to overlook (because she is petite and frail) appearance.

:flowers:

lula · Mar 25, 2015

Each country and Royal House has its customs and traditions and the Spanish Royal House will not recover dress codes that for spanish people would be outdated and a little ridiculous for 2015.

The Spanish monarchy is a reinstated monarchy, and that has given many of these changes in protocol. Queen Sofía, born Princess of Greece and Denmark, was the first to understand that she must adapt and resigned to court, ladies in waiting, and the excesses of dress codes.

The structure of the Royal House is more like a ministry that like a European court. Trips abroad are strongly institutional and political, not tourist trips like other royals.

I think some in these forums should respect that and stop creating a discussion whenever there is an event and the Queen of Spain not wearing a hat...

LadyFinn · Mar 25, 2015

lula said:
Each country and Royal House has its customs and traditions and the Spanish Royal House will not recover dress codes that for spanish people would be outdated and a little ridiculous for 2015.

The Spanish monarchy is a reinstated monarchy, and that has given many of these changes in protocol. Queen Sofía, born Princess of Greece and Denmark, was the first to understand that she must adapt and resigned to court, ladies in waiting, and the excesses of dress codes.

The structure of the Royal House is more like a ministry that like a European court. Trips abroad are strongly institutional and political, not tourist trips like other royals.

I think some in these forums should respect that and stop creating a discussion whenever there is an event and the Queen of Spain not wearing a hat...

I totally agree. And how queen Sofia dressed during the state visits, is good enough also for queen Letizia. Both are very stylish and dignified ladies.

Duc_et_Pair · Mar 25, 2015

lula said:
Each country and Royal House has its customs and traditions and the Spanish Royal House will not recover dress codes that for spanish people would be outdated and a little ridiculous for 2015.

It is not about the Spanish people. No one requires them to wear hats. It is about Her Majesty The Queen of Spain herself. Why is it not ridiculous to wear white in front of the Pope? Why is it not ridiculous to wear black when a Bandera needs to be kissed? Why is it not ridiculous to wear a mantilla with peineta? But.... why is it suddenly ridiculous indeed when we see a Queen or a Princess dresses like a royal instead like a bank clerk?

:ermm:

It has nothing to do with "upstaging" the common people or something. Last Saturday, just right back from a State Visit to Denmark and an Official Visit to Germany, we saw the Queen of the Netherlands in jeans, holding a paint-roller (see picture)... So it is not that someone has to walk in hats or haute couture all day long...

LadyFinn said:
[...] And how queen Sofia dressed during the state visits, is good enough also for queen Letizia. [....]

You have seen post 358 with the State Visits of Queen Sofía to France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, Belgium, Sweden, etc.? What was Queen Sofía wearing on her head?

Right.... Look at this... to prevent saying "Oh... that was looooong ago"...

With this the myth "Queen Sofia never wore hats during State Visits" is proven untrue. So Doña Letizia can go straight to the sombrerera and order some nice tocados or pamelas.

AnaC · Mar 25, 2015

Really Duc, there's a saying in Spanish that goes something like "the blindest are those who refuse to see". As it's already been explained many, many times, Queen Sofía only wore hats in the last decades of her husband reign when the dress code required it, for example the State Visit to Norway when both Kings were in their uniforms. In every other state visit, she didn't wear hats. For example the 2006 state visit to France, or her last outgoing state visit to Switzerland in 2011, or her last state visit to Japan or Luxembourg

It's the Spanish way of doing things, and no matter how many times you complain about it and compare it to other Royal Houses ways (despite being asked by two moderators and many posters not to do it), Queen Letizia won't change her ways.

Winnie · Mar 25, 2015

An Ard Ri said:
Can we please cease with the comparisons between this royal and that royal as its becoming very tedious and repetitive.

I agree. This site should only be about what Queen Letizia is wearing and whether or not you like or not. If someone wants to see what another is wearing, go to their site. I personally think it is stupid to insist that anyone wear a certain item of clothing anytime if they don't really want to. I also do not like hats [except on Queen Elizabeth II] as I think most are goofy looking and comical. Men no longer wear hats continually like they did before JFK became president as he hated them. Then became a fad to no longer wear daily. [observe old photos even at sports events when all men whether rich or poor wore proper hats] So, I am rather glad that Letizia doesn't wear the damn things but still think it is her choice and rather stupid for people to make such a stink about such a judgmental topic. IMHO

Al_bina · Mar 25, 2015

AnaC said:
Really Duc, there's a saying in Spanish that goes something like "the blindest are those who refuse to see". As it's already been explained many, many times, Queen Sofía only wore hats in the last decades of her husband reign when the dress code required it, for example the State Visit to Norway when both Kings were in their uniforms. In every other state visit, she didn't wear hats.... [snipped], or her last state visit to Japan ... [snipped]

It's the Spanish way of doing things, and no matter how many times you complain about it and compare it to other Royal Houses ways (despite being asked by two moderators and many posters not to do it), Queen Letizia won't change her ways.

The Japanese Imperial ladies were/are always dressed in accordance with the protocol. It is the important thing. It is a rather European habit to stand out without a good reason to do so.

Queen Letizia is free to dress any way she wants. She tends to look budget most of the time.

MARG · Mar 25, 2015

Ouch! I would admit that Queen Letizia's wardrobe for the State Visit to France was definitely lacking both style and elegance which, when you consider the French and Fashion, is pretty noticeable.

I guess it only bothers me on the level that Letizia has plenty in her wardrobe to be perfectly presented, with or without a hat. She has done it many, many times, but for the State Visit to France she chose not to exert herself.

Whenever there is a reason to be standing on a reviewing dais, just like the soldiers wearing their Best Dress, protocol or just plain good manners behove the visitor invited to review the Parade or Guard to reciprocate.

Duke of Marmalade · Mar 26, 2015

IMO Letizia's designer Varela has no clue and no sense for the occasion of big events such as this one. His outfits look like business outfits, are of mediocre quality, the clothes are not well matched.

Winnie · Mar 26, 2015

Duke of Marmalade said:
IMO Letizia's designer Varela has no clue and no sense for the occasion of big events such as this one. His outfits look like business outfits, are of mediocre quality, the clothes are not well matched.

I agree, Varela is really not a designer for official engagements of any kind. They are certainly proper for business women not continually photographed.

lula · Mar 26, 2015

Al_bina · Mar 26, 2015

Duke of Marmalade said:
IMO Letizia's designer Varela has no clue and no sense for the occasion of big events such as this one. His outfits look like business outfits, are of mediocre quality, the clothes are not well matched.

You have valid points. However, Mr Varela has to comply with Queen Letizia's wishes and tastes. She has her own standard for the appropriate.

Marengo · Mar 26, 2015

If it was up to me both Q. Letizia as her mother-in-law would still dress like Queen Ena. But times change, as do fashion styles. People seldom wear hats these days, they have disappeared almost completely. So although I prefer to see a royal lady with a hat & with twelve long ropes of pearls, I do understand that some may have other ideas.

princess carmen · Mar 26, 2015

I think Letezia looked fine, she is not the other Queens and has he own style and taste. Letezia is no the one for grand dressing I leave that to Maxima. I also think that these visits are more about the king than Letizia so she dresses neatly not to draw attention to herself and away from the King.

4Pam · Mar 26, 2015

I really see no issue in the way that Queen Letizia dresses. I think she knows how to dress and how not dress during state visits. She's the Queen of Spain and Maxima is the Queen of the Netherlands. Two different countries, two different women.

We can complain all we want about how she dresses or doesn't, but it will always be her choice. Besides isn't Spain's economy still trying to make a recovery? So if Letizia were to start dressing like Maxima, the people would cry 'foul.'

Just my two cents.

Zonk · Mar 27, 2015

I totally understand that there is a difference between an official visist and state visit as well as the fact that everyone has their own personal style. I also understand that times change, so what might have been appropriate in 1990 is not appropriate in 2015. But I have always been of the opinion that Letizia doesn't really put that much effort in what she wears when she performs her royal duties. I've seen pics of her wearing pants and a twinset on a royal engagement, like she just picked up something random from her closet. And that is a perfectly legit outfit, in fact I wear it quite often at my insurance office. Do you get what I am saying..just like me. She isn't just like me. She is the Queen of Spain.

I personally am a grananimal child, so I like things to match. So for me [as petty as it seems] the random blazer and mis matched skirt is a no go and looks like she put no effort into this visit.But eveyone is not like me...and I recognize that. One of my besties, only buys clothes that will work with 3 other things in her closet. As evidenced by Queen Sofia, however, you can wear a nice suit without a hat and looked like you actually cared about what you looked like before you show up at an important event.

No one is asking Letizia to be like Maxima and Mary [who I personally think generally look fabulous when they represent their respective countries when traveling even when they try to push the envelope] but I don't think its too much to ask Letizia to look professional when representing Spain. It is totally possible to look professional without spending thousands of dollars on a suit or a dress. And dressing professional or appropriate for an event, even if you don't go all out like Maxima will not overshadow the King. Honestly I think not putting any effort into her appearance draws more attention than the other way around.

So I gotta agree with Duc on this one...if you didn't know Letizia was the Queen, you could honestly think she was one of the aides traveling with the royal couple and not the 2nd most important person on the trip [i.e. the King being the most important one].

Despite what many think, not all women are into clothes, and maybe Letizia is one of them. And personally its a shame because when she is ON she is simply breathtaking.

muriel · Mar 27, 2015

MARG said:
Ouch! I would admit that Queen Letizia's wardrobe for the State Visit to France was definitely lacking both style and elegance which, when you consider the French and Fashion, is pretty noticeable.

I guess it only bothers me on the level that Letizia has plenty in her wardrobe to be perfectly presented, with or without a hat. She has done it many, many times, but for the State Visit to France she chose not to exert herself.

I have to agree with you. I just did not get the sense that this ensemble was suitable. Completely appropriate for a normal engagement, but just not special enough for a state visit.

Iluvbertie · Mar 27, 2015

Was there a published dress code? Did she breach that published dress code? If not then it was acceptable.

Jacknch · Mar 27, 2015

I always find it helpful sometimes to recalibrate ones expectations and reactions to what a royal is wearing and when they are wearing depending on who they are and what we are used to seeing them wear - not to mention what their personal tastes are (as opposed to my own personal tastes and expectations).
It is difficult to make a direct comparison between say Queen Maxima and Queen Letitia or the BRF and the DRF because we should, by now, already know what to expect from them when they go out.

ANNIE_S · Mar 27, 2015

Iluvbertie said:
Was there a published dress code? Did she breach that published dress code? If not then it was acceptable.

Exactly.

Nobody's forced to like what she's wearing (in fact I don't like the Paris outfit per se), but saying she's looking inappropriate is IMO going too far and unfair to Letizia.

She was perfectly dressed for the event according to protocol and dress code. Liking or disliking her outfit, expecting a hat or jewells is up to you, but she wasn't underdressed by any account.

muriel · Mar 27, 2015

Iluvbertie said:
Was there a published dress code? Did she breach that published dress code? If not then it was acceptable.

No, I am not aware of any published dress code, and I am certainly not suggesting that she broke any dress code.

My point was that I did not think the outfit was special enough for a state visit. It was certainly appropriate for a regular engagement.

MARG · Apr 6, 2015

As did I.

I was greatly disappointed in what Queen Letizia wore because she has beautiful clothes in her wardrobe and because I know, I have seen them, been impressed by her, all virtue of the wonders of technology.

So too have the people of the host countries. That people believe they will see Queen Letizia looking impressive on a State Visit is not an unreasonable expectation under the circumstances.

Duc_et_Pair · Apr 6, 2015

It is just how you expect a Queen of -in my eyes- the grandest kingdom in Europe to appear. It is remarkable that ladies from the Dutch, British, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian Court (Ladies-in-Waiting and such) look better dressed than Her Majesty The Queen of Spain.

The economic argument does not hold. The single cost of "just" using one of the planes of the Ejército del Aire 45 Group —that uses Airbus A310s and five Falcon 900Bs to transport the Spanish King— already is enough for a whole year of new clothes for the Queen of Spain. Really, the costs of a new frock and a proper hat are nuts compared to the costs of transportation, security, accomoation and diplomatic support...

An example: here you see Queen Silvia of Sweden visiting The Hague. You can already count six (!) ladies with hats in her slipstream. This would mean that Her Majesty The Queen of Glorious Spain is already upstaged by 7 better dressed ladies, based on this picture alone.... (The Queen was following an own "ladies program" in the framework of a State Visit, mind you how many ladies with hats there were when she "merged" back with her hostess Queen Beatrix and her ladies?)...

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