Now THAT'S how you curtsy! Princess Anne provides a warm welcome as she hosts guests of honour Queen Letizia and King Felipe at a lavish banquet full of pomp and ceremony in London

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It's their first-ever state visit to the UK and Princess Anne ensured she gave the King and Queen of Spain a right royal welcome as she hosted them at a banquet in London.

The 66-year-old Princess Royal performed an elaborate curtsy as she welcomed Queen Letizia and King Felipe to a lavish dinner at the Guildhall in London on Thursday night. 

Dressed to impress in a midnight blue gown and dazzling diamond accessories, Queen Letizia looked honoured as she arrived at the event hosted by Princess Anne and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence at a banquet at Guildhall given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation.

The British monarchy certainly pulled out all the stops to welcome the Spaniards, with the Royal Air Force Music and The Queen's Colour Squadron Guard of Honour performing as guests started to arrive at the banquet held in honour of the state visit by the King and Queen of Spain. 

The Lord Mayor and The King are both expected to make speeches at the end of the lavish banquet in London. 

A right royal welcome! Princess Anne performed an elaborate curtsy as she welcomed Queen Letizia and King Felipe to a lavish dinner at the Guildhall in London on Thursday night

It's their first-ever state visit to the UK and Princess Anne ensured she gave the King and Queen of Spain a right royal welcome. She performed a low curtsy for King Felipe, left, who looked bashful as he kissed her hand, while she planted a kiss on Queen Letizia's cheek, right

Queen Letizia of Spain attends a banquet at the Guildhall during a State visit by the King and Queen of Spain

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia toast Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley during the Guildhall banquet

Guests stand for a toast during the Guildhall banquet hosted by Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley in honor of the state visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia

Queen Letizia stood with the Lord Mayor, Andrew Parmley, as they arrived for a banquet at Guildhall in central London on the second day of the Spanish King and Queen's three-day state visit.Brexit has created uncertainty for both Spanish businesses and citizens, King Felipe VI of Spain said Thursday during his state visit to Britain, calling for a swift resolution

It's been an action-packed trip so far for the Spanish couple. They kicked off their UK visit with a jam-packed first day that saw them darting between Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Parliament, topped off with a glittering banquet.

And the Spanish royals continued their tour on Thursday as they joined Prince Harry on a visit to Westminster Abbey - marking the 32-year-old's first official role in a state visit.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior today while prayers were said by the Dean John Hall, before being taken on a short tour which was live-streamed on the Abbey's Facebook page.

Flanked by clergymen, Letizia, who stunned in a show-stopping red gown at last night's banquet, opted for a blue silk blouse and embroidered A-line skirt from Carolina Herrera - and looked captivated by her dashing host.

During their visit today they also viewed the tomb of Eleanor of Castile, the Spanish princess who married England's Edward I in the thirteenth century and a distant ancestor of the Felipe, 49. 

The King had an early start this morning, attending a UK-Spain business forum at Mansion House with the Duke of York, and later he meet Theresa May at No. 10 Downing Street along with his wife. 

The Princess Royal made sure she gave the Spanish monarchs a regal welcome as she curtsied as they arrived at the lavish red carpet banquet in London

Wendy Parmley, Princess Anne, King Felipe VI, Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley, Queen Letizia and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence posed for a group photo inside the event

Courteous Princess Anne allowed the Spanish royals to enter the Lord Mayor's Banquet at the Guildhall ahead of her. This is the first state visit by the current King Felipe and Queen Letizia, the last being in 1986 with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia

King Felipe looked chuffed by the Queen's elaborate greeting as he arrived at the banquet 

Queen Letizia (right) was seen during the gala dinner on the occasion of their official visit to United Kingdom

Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley and Queen Letizia listen to remarks by King Felipe VI during the Guildhall banquet

Princess Anne, King Felipe VI, Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley and Queen Letizia stand for a toast during the Guildhall banquet

Trumpeters perform during the Guildhall banquet hosted by Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley yesterday evening 

Guests including Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Andrew Parmley, Lord Mayor of London, Queen Letizia of Spain and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence listen as King Felipe VI of Spain makes a speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet

Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley gives remarks during the Guildhall banquet in honor of the state visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia

Princess Anne listens to a speech by King Felipe VI during the Guildhall banquet in honor of the state visit by the King and Queen of Spain

King Felipe VI was greeted by Andrew Parmley before the gala dinner on occasion for their official visit to United Kingdom

The glamorous Spanish monarch showcased her shoulders in a stunning midnight blue gown as she was gifted a beautiful and colourful bouquet of flowers 

The Spanish couple exchanged a loving look as they stood beside Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley at the Banquet

Princess Anne provided a warm welcome as she hosted guests of honour Queen Letizia and King Felipe at a lavish banquet full of pomp and ceremony in London. Wendy Parmley, King Felipe VI, Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley and Queen Letizia stand outside Guildhall before the banquet

Despite a busy few days, Queen Letizia showed no sign of fatigue as she arrived at the event. It's been an action-packed trip so far for the Spanish couple. They kicked off their UK visit with a jam-packed first day that saw them darting between Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Parliament, topped off with a glittering banquet

Queen Anne stuck to royal traditional with a formal greeting upon the Queen and King's arrival 

King Felipe and Queen Letizia speak with the Lord Mayor Andrew Parmley ahead of the big dinner

King Felipe was all smiles as he arrived at the event showcasing his trademark silver beard

Spain's King Felipe inspects the guard of honour before a banquet at the Guildhall in London

Queen Letizia joked with with he Lord Mayor, Andrew Parmley, as King Felipe VI (not pictured) inspected a Guard of Honour at Guildhall. The Spanish queen looked resplendent as she arrived donning elaborate jewels

The Lord Mayor and The King are both expected to make speeches at the end of the lavish banquet in London

Dignitaries and honoured guests gathered at the Guildhall to welcome the Spanish royals  

The Spanish Queen looked radiant as she stood outside the event, which sees hundreds of guests attend in her honour

Princess Anne stunned in a grey tulle dress embellished with lace florals as she awaited the arrival of the Spanish couple

King Felipe inspects the guard of honour before a banquet at the Guildhall in London on a bright Thursday summer's night

King Felipe put on a dapper display as he inspected the guard of honour before a banquet at the Guildhall

Princess Anne dazzled in diamonds and a glittering grey dress as she waits for the arrival of Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia for a banquet at the Guildhall in London

Princess Anne dazzled in a grey tulle gown embellished with flowers and diamonds 

The glamorous Queen wore her hair in a sophisticated plaited low chignon and donned beautiful diamond accessories 

The Royal Air Force Music and The Queen's Colour Squadron Guard of Honour perform as guest start to arrive Guildhall banquet tonight in honor of the state visit by the King and Queen of Spain

Letizia dazzled in the Mellerio Floral tiara and the joyas de pasar diamond bracelets and matching earrings

Firm friends: Last night, the royal couple met Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they were feted with the grand state banquet in the ballroom at Buckingham Palace, dining on beef medallions and truffle

Prince charming: Harry greets the Spanish Queen with a kiss on the cheek as they meet outside Westminster Abbey today. The engagement is the first time the 32-year-old royal has been tasked with a formal role in a state visit

Queen Letizia has arrived at Westminster Abbey where she will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior while prayers are said by the Dean. She is joined here by Reverend Professor Canon White, the Abbey's Sub-Dean

This week's visit is seen as an important step in securing relations with Spain as the UK leaves the EU; the last incoming state visit by a Spanish king - Felipe's father Juan Carlos I - was 31 years ago in 1986.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's trip had been postponed twice - firstly because of a political crisis in Spain in March 2016, and then again when the rescheduled date clashed with June's snap general election.

Yesterday, the couple were formally greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on Horse Guards Parade, marking the beginning of Philip's last state visit before he retires from public duties in the autumn.

The couple - parents to 11-year-old Leonor, Princess of Asturias and 10-year-old Infanta Sofía of Spain - then enjoyed a private lunch with the royal family at Buckingham Palace.

During the lunchtime reception, Felipe VI became what is known as a 'Stranger Knight' or 'Extra Knight Companion' of the prestigious Order of the Garter. 

Last night saw Queen Letizia and the Duchess of Cambridge both plump for family heirlooms as they dazzled in diamonds at an extravagant state banquet at Buckingham Palace in King Felipe and Queen Letizia's honour.

Kate, 35, donned the diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara so beloved by William's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales - which she also wore to her first state banquet last year. The Duchess looked resplendent in a dusky Marchesa pink dress offset with her favourite pearl and diamond earrings.

Queen Letizia also wore her husband's mother's tiara; the piece is called the Fleur de Lys Tiara or La Buena. Made in 1906 as a wedding gift from King Alfonso XIII to Queen Victoria Eugenia, the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria, it was passed down the generations to Felipe's mother, Queen Sofia.

The Spanish Queen plumped for her country's national colour and stunned in a bejewelled red gown, which accentuated her curves. 

The Spanish royals were hosted by the Queen and Prince Philip last night along with Duchess of Cambridge, Princes William and Harry, Prince Charles and Camilla, with Britain treating them to the full pomp and pageantry traditionally rolled out for visiting heads of state. 

Queen Letizia and King Felipe were hosted by the Queen and Prince Philip, Duchess of Cambridge, Princes William and Harry, Prince Charles and Camilla, with Britain treating them to the full pomp and pageantry rolled out for visiting heads of state

The Duchess of Cambridge stunned in the diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara so beloved by William's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales; she wore the same one, made in 1914, to her first state banquet last year

Cheers to that! Queen Elizabeth and King Felipe VI of Spain share a toast during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace

The Queen of Spain stunned in a beautiful red dress whilst the Queen of England looked resplendent in a white gown embroidered with soft blue florals

Kate looked chic in a custom made Marchesa gown with a plunging V-Neck in blush lace, bell sleeves and shirred ballgown skirt at tonight's state banquet. This is second time in the last few months that the Duchess has worn Marchesa to a public engagement

The Queen donned her Brazilian Aquamarine tiara, which is a favourite of the Queen's dresser, Angela Kelly, who describes it as 'majestic in appearance but cool and calming'. It was commissioned by the Queen from the then Crown jeweller Garrard in 1957, to match a necklace and earrings given by the President of Brazil to mark her coronation in 1953. She was so fond of the set that she wanted a matching tiara. 

As for Camilla, the stand-out part of her outfit was the glittering Greville tiara, on loan from the Queen who was left the tiara by her late mother.

The Queen Mother was left the diamond tiara by the Hon. Mrs Greville from Boucheron, a well-known society maven.

The honeycomb-patterned jewellery piece was made by Boucheron jewellers for the Hon. Mrs. Greville in 1921 out of stones salvaged from another tiara. Having no heirs of her own, she left her considerable jewellery collection to Queen Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) when she died in 1942.

In 1953 the Queen Mother asked for the height of the tiara to be increased by adding a number of brilliant cut diamonds and a single marquise cut diamond in 1953. 

Guests at the Spanish state banquet dined on medallion of Scottish beef and truffles in a Madeira sauce as they gathered in the opulently decorated Buckingham Palace ballroom as the Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra provided the musical entertainment - including curious tunes such as the theme from the Bond film Skyfall and Coldplay's Viva La Vida. 

While it's understood to be Prince Philip's last-ever state banquet before he retires this Autumn, it was Prince Harry's first as he moves into a more full-time royal position. The Duke of Cambridge attended his first Palace banquet last year, while Prince Charles was 20 at his first state banquet in the London residence. 

The white tie Diplomatic Reception is the main social event of the year in London for the diplomatic community and reflects the Queen's importance in terms of the UK's international relations.

In his speech, King Felipe said: 'Spain stands united with the British people, who at this time of suffering have once again shown dignity and strength of character'

Queen Elizabeth, her husband Prince Philip, Spain's King Felipe and his wife Queen Letizia, pose for a group photograph before a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace

The two monarchs dressed to impress at the event, which saw hundreds of dignitaries and royals gather to welcome the Spanish royal family 

It is also the largest reception held at Buckingham Palace, requiring hours of intricate planning by the Master of the Household and the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, as well as the commandeering of almost every member of waiting staff.

More than 1,000 people from around 130 countries, including members of the British government, past Prime Ministers and the Archbishops of Canterbury and York attend the gathering.

In his banquet speech Felipe paid tribute to the close co-operation between Britain and Spain from economic partnerships to cultural links.

The King said there had also been co-operation over security and he offered his condolences to the victims of the recent UK terrorist attacks - highlighting how one of those killed trying to save others during the Borough Market atrocity, Ignacio Echeverria, was a Spanish citizen.

He said: 'Spain stands united with the British people, who at this time of suffering have once again shown dignity and strength of character.'

The state visit was the first time Harry, who is 32, had taken part in the major event and he looked dapper, as did all the royal men at the white-tie event. On Thursday, he will accompany the Spanish royal couple when they visit Westminster Abbey.

The Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara: Made by royal appointment in 194 

The dazzling diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara was once owned by Princess Diana. 

The tiara was made by Royal jewellers Garrard in 1914 to Queen Mary's personal design, from pearls and diamonds already in her family's possession.

The dazzling diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara was once owned by Princess Diana

It was a copy of one owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, who married the first Duke of Cambridge, seventh son of King George III, in 1818. 

In her will Queen Mary left the tiara to to the Queen who wore it frequently, including at an evening event in 1955.

In 1981 she gave it as a wedding present to Prince William's mother, Diana, who wore it for the first time at the state opening of parliament that November.

Diana also wore the tiara in 1985 on an official visit to Washington with Prince Charles.

The tiara has a strong French influence, made to a new-classical design on 19 open work diamond arches and enclosing an oriental pearl drop from a diamond lover's knot bow, surrounded by single diamonds and upright oval pearl spikes.  

The tiara is fairly heavy even by royal standards and was said to have given Diana headaches when she wore it. 

As for her necklace, this opulent collar, the Ruby and Diamond Floral Bandeau, was a wedding gift from the Queen's parents. Bought by Margaret Greville, a close friend of her mother’s, from the jeweller Boucheron in 1907, it was bequeathed to the Queen Mother, along with several other jewels, on Greville’s death in 1942.

The intricate piece is set in silver and gold, in an unusual V-shape and features several sizeable rubies.

The Queen, who has remarkably slim shoulders, tends to shorten her necklaces to make them sit higher on her neck, and did so here by removing two small floral pieces from the sides. 

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Queen Letizia (left) also wore her husband's mother's tiara; the piece is called the Fleur de Lys Tiara or La Buena. Made in 1906 as a wedding gift from King Alfonso XIII to Queen Victoria Eugenia, it was passed down the generations to Queen Sofia (right)

The royal couple were no doubt looking forward to spending the evening with the Spanish royals after enjoying their company throughout the day on Wednesday - overcoming an awkward moment that saw Camilla going in for two kisses

As for Camilla, the stand-out part of her outfit was the Greville tiara, on loan from the Queen who was left the tiara by her late mother. The Queen Mother, right, was given the diamond tiara by the Hon. Mrs Greville, a well-known society maven

The white tie Diplomatic Reception is the main social event of the year in London for the diplomatic community and reflects the Queen's importance in terms of the UK's international relations

While it's understood to be Prince Philip's last-ever state banquet before he retires this Autumn, it was Prince Harry's first as he moves into a more full-time royal position. The Duke of Cambridge attended his first Palace banquet last year

Queen Letizia joins Prince Philip in the State Landau as the travel to the Palace. This week's visit is seen as a significant step in securing relations with Spain as the UK leaves the EU; the last incoming state visit by a Spanish king was 31 years ago in 1986

The reigning monarchs make their way to the Palace. Felipe, 49, is expected to raise the thorny issue of Gibraltar during his stay this week. He will deliver an address at Westminster from the Royal Gallery to parliamentarians on Wednesday

The Queen could also be seen with her insignia pinned to her dress. As for her husband, the impressive set of 17 medals Philip wore comprise his service medals from the Second World War and the various Jubilee and Coronation medals he has acquired through sheer longevity.

The red and blue cross worn on a red and blue ribbon around his neck was the Order of Merit, a dynastic order in the personal gift of the Queen and restricted to 24 members. Below his medals the prince was wearing his Order of the Garter star.

Charles was also sporting his Order of the Garter star and garter and his medals from left to right, are: the Queen's Service Order, the Queen's Coronation Medal, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Canadian Forces Decoration and the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.

William's medal collection is far smaller, with two medals - the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, awarded to all military personnel serving at the time of the jubilees, depending on length of service.

Like his father and grandfather, he wore his Order of the Garter insignia below his medals last night.

During the lunchtime reception today, Felipe VI became what is known as a 'Stranger Knight' or 'Extra Knight Companion' of the prestigious Order of the Garter.

Buckingham Palace said the last foreign royal to be invested as a Knight of the Garter was King Harald V of Norway in 2001. The decision demonstrates the cordial nature of the royals' relations with their Spanish counterparts. 

Felipe's father, King Juan Carlos, was made a Knight of the Garter in 1988. Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter are personally chosen by the monarch.

The King will have been given a Garter star, which he wore at the state banquet. He will also now have a permanent stall in St George's Chapel at Windsor - the spiritual home of the Order. It will feature a plaque bearing his banner of arms, and have a wooden crown carved above it.  

On Wednesday, the Spanish royals were met with sunshine and a spectacular gun salute as they kicked off their state visit to Britain with husband King Felipe VI. 

The action-packed first day saw the King and Queen enjoy a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, afternoon tea at Clarence House - and culminated in the state banquet with senior members of the Royal family.

For yesterday's procession, the Captain of the Guard of Honour Major Charlie Gair, presented his Guard of Honour to Felipe in Spanish while Major General Ben Bathurst, Major General Commanding the Household Division, commanded the grand parade. A total of more than 1,000 troops are expected to take part in the state visit.

Letizia travelled to the Palace in the State Landau - the carriage which was built for the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 - alongside Prince Philip, while her husband travelled with the Queen.

The VIP visitors enjoy a military ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade to mark the start of their visit to Britain. The Captain of the Guard of Honour Major Charlie Gair, Irish Guards, presented his Guard of Honour to the King of Spain in Spanish

The mother-of-two stunned in a vibrant yellow coat dress by go-to designer Felipe Varela, vertiginous £550 Prada stilettos and a bespoke headpiece by María Nieto - teamed with yellow and gold earrings which are believed to belong to her mother-in-law Queen Sofía.

The Queen opted for a magenta coat and flower-adorned hat that she wore just over two weeks ago at Royal Ascot as she introduced the Spanish couple to leading figures from UK national life, including Prime Minister Theresa May, Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and a host of senior military figures.

Once inside the Palace, the King and Queen enjoyed a private lunch with the royal family where they were served Laureate's Choice, a sherry selected by poet Carol Ann Duffy. A poem inspired by the sherry appears on the label.  

This week's visit is seen as an important step in securing relations with Spain as the UK leaves the EU; the last incoming state visit by a Spanish king - Felipe's father Juan Carlos I - was 31 years ago in 1986. 

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia's trip had been postponed twice - firstly because of a political crisis in Spain in March 2016, and then again when the rescheduled date clashed with June's snap general election.  

Awkward: Earlier, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall didn't know where to look when they greeted their guests, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, at their hotel this morning ahead of the Ceremonial Welcome on Horse Guards Parade

Letizia (far right) wore a bright yellow coat over a matching dress and an elaborate headpiece ahead of today's meeting, while the Duchess of Cornwall opted for a white hat adorned with feathers

Her Majesty opted for a vibrant magenta coat dress ahead of Wednesday's ceremonial welcome. She and the Duke of Edinburgh (far right) will later greets their Spanish guests before Theresa May (second left) meets them later on in the week

The Queen greets Theresa May as they await the Spanish Royals at Horse Guards Parade. The Prime Minister appeared to have got into a spot of bother after her Liz Helix hat was blown off in the wind as she made her entrance

The monarch beamed broadly as she greeted King Felipe VI who travelled from ME Hotel. During the lunchtime reception that followed, she made Felipe a 'Stranger Knight' or 'Extra Knight Companion' of the prestigious Order of the Garter

King Felipe and the Duke of Edinburgh inspect the Guard of Honour on Horse Guards Parade before boarding the Royal carriages to travel to Buckingham Palace for a private lunch and a tour of the Royal Collection

The Queen was joined by King Felipe VI in a state carriage as the Royal procession made their way from Horse Guards Parade to Buckingham Palace. The action-packed tour will see the King and Queen enjoy a private lunch with the British royals

Letizia, 44, travelled to Buckingham Palace in the State Landau - the carriage which was built for the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902 - alongside the Duke of Edinburgh. The sunny weather saw the royals travelling with the roof down

Major General Ben Bathurst, Major General Commanding the Household Division, commanded all troops on the parade. A total of more than 1,000 troops are expected to take part in the state visit this week

Just the beginning: The action-packed tour will see the King and Queen enjoy a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, afternoon tea at Clarence House and a State Banquet at the Palace with senior members of the Royal family

Spanish King Felipe VI gives a speech as Queen Letizia (L) and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow (2L) look on at the Palace of Westminster in central London

The rise of Letizia: How a nurse's daughter became Spain's first commoner queen

Like the Duchess of Cambridge, Queen Letizia was not born into royalty. 

Her father, Jesús José Ortiz Álvarez, was a journalist and her mother, María de la Paloma Rocasolano Rodríguez, was a registered nurse.

Always hard-working, Letizia Oritz, as she was then, is believed to have taken shifts at Spanish newspapers La Nueva España and ABC while studying for a degree in journalism at the Complutense University of Madrid.

She went on to receive a a master's degree in audiovisual journalism at the Institute for Studies in Audiovisual Journalism.

On air: Letizia Oritz, as she was then, on camera for Spanish news magazine TVE1

Letizia moved to Mexico to work at the newspaper Siglo 21 before returning to Spain, where she worked for Bloomberg and later CNN+.

In 1998 Letizia married her long-term partner Alonso Guerrero Pérez, a writer and high school literature teacher, in a simple civil ceremony in Badajoz, western Spain. However the marriage did not last and the couple divorced the following year.

During her career she reported on major international news, reporting on the 2000 Presidential Elections from Washington DC; recording live broadcasts from New York in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and filming reports from war-torn Iraq in 2003.

Shortly afterwards her journalism career came to an end when Prince Felipe, then Prince of Asturias, made a shock engagement announcement.

Unlike Kate Middleton, who first started dating Prince William seven years before he popped the question in 2010, Letizia enjoyed a relatively brief romance with her royal beau before he got down on one knee.

The couple are understood to have met in a dinner party in 2002 but their relationship was not made public until the engagement announcement in the gardens of his royal residence in November 2003 - marking another departure from William and Kate's relatively public courtship.

Felipe reportedly proposed to Letizia with a 16 Baguette diamond engagement ring with a white gold trim. She is said to have marked the occasion by gifting her husband-to-be with white gold and sapphire cufflinks and a classic book.

Surprise: Crown Prince Felipe and Letizia Ortiz announce their engagement in November 2003

The couple married just six months later in a lavish ceremony at the breathtaking Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. The bride wore a long-sleeved gown by Spanish designer Manuel Pertegaz and a Prussian Diamond Tiara on loan from Queen Sofia.

The King and Queen also gifted their future daughter-in-law a beautiful pair of diamond drop earrings to wear on the day.

Over the next decade, Letizia was by her husband's side as he carried out duties on behalf of his father, King Juan Carlos, and the royal family.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Leonor, in October 2005 and their second daughter, Sofia, named after her paternal grandmother, in April 2007.

In 2014 King Juan Carlos announced his abdication and his son Felipe ascended the throne. Letizia became the first Queen born as a commoner.

Leonor was given the title Princess of Asturias and became the heir presumptive to the throne, although Spanish law means any son born to Felipe and Letizia would supersede her in the line of succession.

A number of sources have noted how Letizia's style has evolved throughout her marriage to Felipe, much as Kate's has since marrying William.

The 44-year-old once favoured dowdy suits and frumpy jackets but now favours tailored sheath dresses, sky-scraping court shoes, Hugo Boss suits and eye-catching jewels.

With a penchant for homegrown labels, such as Mango, Zara and Uterqüe, she keeps her Spanish fashion fans happy, much as Kate does with sporting British labels.

A right Royal tour: King Felipe and Queen Letizia's state visit itinerary in full

TUESDAY 11TH JULY

Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain arrived privately in the United Kingdom on Tuesday July 11, at Luton airport. They were be greeted on behalf of The Queen by The Viscount Brookeborough, Lord-in-Waiting.

WEDNESDAY 12TH JULY

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall greeted the Spanish Royal couple on behalf of The Queen, at their hotel, the ME on The Strand, on Wednesday morning. Their Royal Highnesses then travelled with Their Majesties to Horse Guards Parade, where the King and Queen received a Ceremonial Welcome.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh formally welcomes the King and Queen on Horse Guards Parade. Presentations were made, the Guard of Honour gave a Royal Salute and the Spanish National Anthem was played.

The King, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, inspected the Guard of Honour, which are the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. Afterwards, the King and Queen joined the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for a state carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace.

Following a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, given by The Queen, Her Majesty invited The King and Queen of Spain to view an exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection relating to Spain.

In the afternoon the King and Queen met the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall once again, for tea at Clarence House.

Afterwards, The King and Queen will visit the Palace of Westminster, where they will be welcomed by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker. The King will deliver an Address in the Royal Gallery to Parliamentarians and other guests, followed by a reception with Members and invited guests.

In the evening The Queen will give a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace for The King and Queen. The Queen and The King will both make speeches at the start of the banquet.

The royal couple, who are staying at Buckingham Palace, are expected to meet Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they are feted with the grand state banquet in the ballroom on Wednesday evening. It will be the first state visit for Harry

THURSDAY 13TH JULY

The King will attend a UK-Spain Business Forum at Mansion House, accompanied by The Duke of York. The event will build on the two countries' cooperation in bilateral trade and two-way investment. Speeches will be made by The King and the Secretary of State for International Trade.

The King and Queen of Spain will visit Westminster Abbey, accompanied by HRH Prince Henry of Wales. The King will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior while prayers are said by the Dean, and then be taken on a short tour of the Abbey, including the Tomb of Eleanor of Castile.

Their Majesties will go on to the Spanish Ambassador's Residence for a reception with members of the Spanish Community. Later, The King will visit No. 10 Downing Street to meet Prime Minister Theresa May.

In the evening, The King and Queen, joined by The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, will attend a Banquet at Guildhall given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor and The King will both make speeches at the end of the banquet.

Tomorrow, the King and Queen will will visit Westminster Abbey, accompanied by HRH Prince Henry of Wales (left) before visiting No. 10 Downing Street to meet Prime Minister Theresa May (right)

FRIDAY 14TH JULY

The King and Queen of Spain will formally bid farewell to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace in the morning.

Thereafter, Their Majesties, accompanied by The Duke of York, will visit the Francis Crick Institute. They will be met by Chief Executive, Sir Paul Nurse, and tour the institute, meeting members of the Spanish scientific community working in the UK.

The King and Queen will go on to the Weston Library where they will be greeted by The Lord Patten of Barnes, Chancellor of Oxford University. Their Majesties will view an exhibition of Spanish treasures from the Oxford University archive before proceeding to The Divinity School for lunch at which The King will give a speech.

After lunch The King and Queen will arrive at Exeter College, home of the King Alfonso XIII Professorship of Spanish Studies and the Queen Sofía Fellowship in Spanish, where they will attend a reception for Spanish nationals working and studying at the University and members of the University who are studying, researching and teaching on Spain.

At the conclusion of the State Visit, the Lord Chamberlain will bid farewell to The King and Queen on behalf of The Queen. Their Majesties will depart privately from London from RAF Brize Norton.

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