Queen Sofia Celebrates 50 Years of Monarchy with Golden Fleece Honor

This Friday, the royal family convened in the majestic Throne Room of the Royal Palace to commemorate an important milestone: the 50th anniversary of the Spanish monarchy. The ceremony not only marked this historic occasion but also included the prestigious conferring of the Golden Fleece to Queen Sofia, along with former Prime Minister Felipe González, Miguel Herrero y Rodríguez de Miñón, and Miguel Roca Junyent—the living architects of the Constitution. Felipe VI, the Grand Master of this distinguished Order of Knighthood, initiated this honor a year prior as a gesture of gratitude toward his mother, Queen Sofia. As expected, she was the highlight of the event, donning a long pink dress paired with a matching jacket adorned with sequins, a stunning representation of her iconic style. Upon her entrance to the Throne Room, Queen Sofia was further embellished with a striking ruby bracelet that once belonged to Queen Victoria Eugenie of Battenberg, the grandmother of King Juan Carlos I and the godmother to Felipe VI. Interestingly, this same piece was worn by Queen Sofia during Felipe VI's proclamation in the Congress of Deputies. The choice of color was also notable; the vibrant pink hue was reminiscent of one she chose 50 years ago for the proclamation of Juan Carlos I. In a delightful twist, Queen Letizia—Felipe VI's consort—similarly opted for a pink ensemble for the morning's celebration, drawing attention to their synchronized style. Letizia's outfit for the occasion was a stylish skirt and jacket suit designed by Carolina Herrera, a piece she previously wore during a State visit to Italy. The jacket, characterized by its pronounced shoulders and intricate embroidery, stands out as a timeless piece that could easily have graced the wardrobe of Queen Sofia in the 1980s. This isn’t the first instance of a style overlap between Letizia and Sofia; the consort often revives pieces from her mother-in-law's collection on various occasions. Moreover, it is common for her to incorporate Queen Sofia's exquisite jewelry for significant royal events, signifying a continued bond between the two women aesthetically and personally. As the royal family celebrated this momentous occasion, reflections on their shared history and their enduring legacy within the monarchy were undoubtedly at the forefront of the day’s festivities. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2