This new edition of the Princess of Asturias Awards was one of the most special for Princess Leonor. She has just begun a new stage in her education with her arrival at university, and the maturity she has gained has allowed her to participate in one of the solo acts, alongside her sister Infanta Sofía. A role more prominent than ever that required an ensemble worthy of the occasion.
And this time, the king’s eldest daughter has preferred to focus on the jewelry, opting for a piece with history and, curiously, a nod to Queen Sofía. The displays of affection between grandmother and granddaughter are increasingly evident, and the princess wanted to acknowledge the emerita by reviving a pair of ruby earrings that she wore for the first time and that have captured all eyes.
For her big night, the princess chose a Hannibal Laguna dress in a very on-trend dark red color with a 1950s silhouette that is highly flattering. Short sleeves, a box neckline, and a flared skirt with a stiff and slightly shiny fabric characterized a design she debuted for the occasion.
Leonor’s earrings, a wedding gift from Queen Sofía
However, neither the dress nor the Cinderella heels by Carolina Herrera managed to put in the background the spectacular earrings that completed the look. And indeed, she wore for the first time the earrings that Queen Federica gave to Queen Sofía for her wedding. And yes, they hide an intriguing backstory.
Queen Sofía with Princess Leonor.
They are drop earrings with ruby cabochon-cut medallions set with diamonds that are part of Queen Sofía’s personal jewelry collection and were created to be worn with the rest of the Niarchos jewels, which were gifted to her by the Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos on the occasion of her wedding to Don Juan Carlos in 1962.
Although they are not part of the initial set, they are earrings that Doña Sofía has been able to wear as a set thanks to being lent to her by Queen Federica. And it seems they are among the emerita’s favorites, which she has worn on numerous occasions, sometimes accompanied by the tiara, sometimes on their own.
Rubies and diamonds loaned for the first time
Leonor has worn Queen Sofía’s ruby earrings.
What makes these earrings remarkable is not only their beauty and their ability to illuminate the face and enhance the look, but that this is the first time Doña Sofía lends them. Neither her daughters Infantas Elena and Sofía nor Queen Letizia have had the opportunity to wear this very special piece for the emerita.
Now the story changes, and the mother of King Felipe has lent it to the heiress on this very special date. The perfect accessory for an occasion in which she was the absolute protagonist and in which she has opted for a piece with a lot of meaning that says much more than it might seem at first glance.
