After her most recent appearances in stunning off-the-shoulder gowns with tight-fitting bodices, speculation as to Letizia's wedding dress had reached fever pitch among Spaniards eager to see how the future queen of their country would look on her big day.
One thing was certain, she was not going to disappoint. And when she finally made her entrance, clad in the best-kept secret of the wedding day, she surprised once again. This time, with the devastatingly simple elegance of her gown, which was designed by 87-year-old Catalan maestro Manuel Pertegaz.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the off-white silk dress, which fell from her shoulders in one smooth sweep of cloth, was a high-standing collar showing off the bride's looks to perfection. The collar, like the edging of the rest of the dress, was picked out with heavy white embroidery depicting the fleur de lys and ears of wheat – details from the Prince of Asturias crest. The gown was a personal gift from the groom, the Prince of Asturias, to his bride.
Its 4.5-metre circular train only revealed its full glory when it was arranged behind Letizia as she joined her prince at the altar, providing a feast for the eye for the congregation seated behind the bridal party in the main body of the cathedral.
As her main adornment, the bride, who will now be styled the Princess of Asturias, wore the same platinum and diamond tiara as her new mother-in-law, Queen Sofia, on her marriage to King Juan Carlos. She was also wearing a dazzling pair of diamond/platinum earrings which were a gift from the king and queen.
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