In a solemn and emotional ceremony at the Cathedral of the Armed Forces, Queen Letizia of Spain and the rest of the Spanish royal family paid tribute to Fernando Gómez-Acebo, the youngest son of Infanta Pilar de Borbón and cousin of King Felipe VI.
Affectionately known as “Coco” by his family, Fernando died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 49, after a long battle with chronic respiratory failure.
The funeral, held on April 8, 2024, brought together the entire Spanish royal family, including figures such as former King Emeritus Juan Carlos and Queen Emeritus Sofia, as well as the current monarchs, King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
This event was not only a moment to remember Fernando’s life, but also an occasion where elegance and respect were intertwined in Queen Letizia’s attire.
Letizia’s dress at the funeral of Fernando Gómez-Acebo
For the occasion, the Queen chose a black midi-cut dress with French sleeves and a flared design.
The distinctive detail of the dress was the horizontal fringe cutouts that adorned both the skirt and the bottom of the sleeves, adding a touch of sophistication and movement to the ensemble.
This dress, which reflected the dignity of the occasion, was complemented by carefully selected accessories that enhanced her presence with discretion and elegance.
Queen Letizia paired her dress with Armani’s black La Charnière Dorée Top Handle Bag, an accessory that has been part of her wardrobe on other important occasions.
She also chose black leather slingback heels by Massimo Dutti, which provided the perfect balance of comfort and style.
Queen Letizia’s brooch
However, the element that attracted the most attention was the brooch that the Queen chose for the day.
It was not a simple piece of jewelry, but a symbol loaded with history and meaning.
The brooch, composed of a central round pearl surrounded by diamonds, with a diamond pendant and another pearl-shaped mother-of-pearl with a rose cap, is an heirloom from the 19th century.
This jewel was acquired by Queen Maria Cristina of Austria, second wife and consort of Alfonso XII and mother and regent of Alfonso XIII.
Queen Letizia, aware of the sentimental value and tradition that this piece represents, has worn it on previous occasions to mark important moments.
The first time she wore it was during the military parade on October 12, 2017, on a Felipe Varela ensemble inspired by Christian Dior’s iconic “New Look” silhouette, which revolutionized fashion after the Second World War.
The brooch is not only a mark of respect to the memory of Fernando Gómez-Acebo, but also a gesture of connection to the history of the Royal Family and a tribute to past generations.
Queen Sofia, mother of King Felipe VI, also wore this brooch in the 1980s, after the death of Maria de las Mercedes in 2000.
Queen Letizia’s choice for this massive tribute reflects her ability to combine tradition and modernity, to honor the past while presenting it with contemporary grace.
Her meticulously composed attire not only complied with the protocol expected for an event of such magnitude, but also conveyed a message of continuity and respect for the family legacy.