I must tell you something that moved me more than I expected. The famous Fleur-de-Lis tiara, a piece we always associate with the symbolic strength of the Spanish monarchy, will be exhibited again after fifteen years of being kept in the privacy of the passing jeweler.
And why is this legendary jewel now returning to the spotlight? It will, because Queen Letizia has decided to donate it to the National Heritage for the grand exhibition dedicated to Victoria Eugenia.
Yes, the very Ena who marked a turning point in the modern image of the Crown. This gesture unites two queens separated by a century.
What does the Fleur-de-Lis represent within the crown jewels?
I always like to remember that this tiara is not just any piece of jewelry. Alfonso XIII gave it to the young Victoria Eugenia upon her arrival in Spain, and since then it has been linked to the destiny of the queens.
Platinum, diamonds, and a design combining three fleurs-de-lis with scrolls and leaves. Its structure may appear simple, but it carries a history that spans coronations, crises, galas, and family decisions that shaped the dynasty.
Queen Letizia has worn it during important moments of her reign, reinforcing the symbolic connection between the two sovereigns. In a way, when she wears it, she also showcases an entire chapter of the institution.
Why is this exhibition so historically significant?
The exhibition will open on December 2nd at the Royal Collections, featuring approximately 350 pieces that depict the evolution of the monarchy during the Ena era. Documents, photographs, books… and now, the Fleur-de-Lis as the centerpiece.
The last time Victoria Eugenia wore it was at the gala dance before the wedding of Infanta Pilar in Estoril. Later, she left the tiara and other jewels to consolidate what we now know as the heirloom jewelry. That decision, almost testamentary, created a legacy that still guides the Royal Family’s jewelry protocol.
Lending the tiara for this exhibition is a tribute to a queen often forgotten, a way of saying we are still here, mindful of our history and the women who shaped it.