On Monday, January 27, Queen Letizia and King Felipe joined other monarchs to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, as we reported here on RoyalFamily.news.
This solemn tribute, organized by the Polish authorities, brought together leaders from across Europe to remember one of the darkest chapters in history and hear moving testimonies from some Holocaust survivors.
Queen Letizia and King Felipe sat next to the King and Queen of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Máxima, in an atmosphere of intense solemnity.
Queen Letizia in Poland
Princess Leonor’s parents were deeply moved, reflecting the grief of the moment.
However, Queen Letizia distinguished herself at this event with two style choices that did not go unnoticed.
First, she opted for straight pants, while many of the European royals, such as Máxima, Mathilde of Belgium, and Mary of Denmark, chose skirts and dresses.
Additionally, Letizia wore her hair loose, without any headdress, only a small tiara, which contrasted with the other royals’ impressive accessories.
These choices not only underline her personal style but also illustrate the change that Queen Letizia has represented throughout her ten-year reign, standing out and reaffirming her distinctive role within European royalty.
A curious detail was starred by Queen Letizia. When handing over the candles as a sign of respect for those killed, the monarchs bowed and lowered their heads at the same time before placing them.
However, once they finished, the queen made a small additional bow, while Felipe began to withdraw. It was an instant in which the two seemed to collide in front of the cameras.
This moment, although brief, captured everyone’s attention, showing the dynamic between them in such a solemn situation.