![Crown Prince Felipe of Spain and his fiancee Letizia Ortiz leave the Copenhagen Cathedral in Copenhagen, 14 May 2004, after the wedding of Mary Elisabeth Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0913-letizia01.jpg?resize=1200%2C939&ssl=1)
This week, Queen Letizia of Spain celebrates her 49th birthday. To mark the occasion, we’re devoting this week’s Sparkling Spotlight to some of her most glamorous royal gala appearances. We’re kicking things off with one of her very first gala events, way back in spring 2004.
![Prince Felipe and fiancee Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano leave Copenhagen Cathedral after the wedding ceremony between Danish Crown Prince Frederik and his bride Crown Princess Mary May 14, 2004 in Copenhagen, Denmark](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0913-letizia02.jpg?resize=1200%2C2308&ssl=1)
In the autumn of 2003, the Prince of Asturias (now King Felipe VI of Spain) announced his engagement to a Spanish journalist, Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano. Their royal wedding was scheduled for May 22, 2004. A week before, they traveled to Denmark to attend another major royal wedding: the nuptials of Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Mary Donaldson.
![Crown Prince Felipe of Spain and his fiancee Letizia Ortiz arrive at the Copenhagen Cathedral in Copenhagen, 14 May 2004, for the wedding of Mary Elisabeth Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0913-letizia03.jpg?resize=1200%2C1796&ssl=1)
On the day of the wedding, Felipe and Letizia arrived at the cathedral in Copenhagen in full gala attire. Letizia wore a dramatic red gown with a short train and long sleeves.
![Crown Prince Felipe of Spain and his fiancee Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano attend the wedding of Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Miss Mary Elizabeth Donaldson at Copenhagen Cathedral on May 14, 2004 in Copenhagen, Denmark](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0913-letizia04.jpg?resize=1200%2C1890&ssl=1)
She wore matching red shoes and carried a red clutch with beaded detailing. You’ll also catch a glimpse here of her diamond and white gold engagement ring, worn on her right hand.
![Crown Prince Felipe of Spain and his fiancee Letizia Ortiz arrive at the Copenhagen Cathedral in Copenhagen, 14 May 2004, for the wedding of Mary Elisabeth Donaldson and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0913-letizia05.jpg?resize=996%2C1365&ssl=1)
The ensemble was completed with royal ruby and diamond jewels from Felipe’s family. Letizia wore a pair of diamond and ruby scroll earrings, on loan to her by her soon-to-be mother-in-law, Queen Sofia of Spain. In 2017, she wore the earrings again, this time for a state visit to Japan.
![Spanish Crown Prince Felipe and his fiancee Letizia Ortiz Rocasolano arrive to attend the wedding between Danish Crown Prince Frederik and Miss Mary Elizabeth Donaldson in Copenhagen Cathedral May 14, 2004 in Copenhagen, Denmark](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-0913-letizia06.jpg?resize=1038%2C1542&ssl=1)
At the neckline of her gown, Letizia clipped a pair of diamond and ruby brooches. These had special significance: they belonged to Felipe’s late grandmother, the Countess of Barcelona. She received the clips as part of a royal jewelry haul on her marriage to Infante Juan of Spain in 1935, and she wore them often throughout her life. They added a gorgeous vintage touch to Letizia’s ensemble, which was also emphasized by the hairstyle she chose for the occasion.
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