Sofia of Spain has been a regular but discreet presence on the royal scene for over 60 years. The Queen Emeritus, who celebrated her 86th birthday on November 2, has always been a very elegant and incredibly classy woman. Fashion, very present in her wardrobe, has always been interpreted with sobriety, which has perhaps hindered our appreciation of her style. But for us, she will always remain, in her own way, a fashion icon. Here's why.
Sofia of Spain had royalty in her blood. Born in Greece in 1938, she is the eldest daughter of the then crown prince, Paul (who later became king of the Hellenes), and Federica de Hanovre. It's his brother Constantin who succeeded to the Greek throne, married in turn to Anne Marie of Greecesister of Margrethe II and of Benedict of Denmark. Being related to the royal houses of half of Europe, it was not difficult for her to find a husband of her rank, as her mother had wished.
The engagement ring
His romance with Juan Carlosfuture king of Spain who is also his third cousin, begins after several meetings on June 8, 1961 during the wedding of EdwardDuke of Kent, and Katharine Worsley. On September 13 of the same year, the engagement was announced. The ruby and diamond ring that seals the promise has a curious history. It is believed to have been made with gold from two coins dating from the time of Alexander the Great.
The engagement between Juan Carlos and Sofia in 1961.
Daniele Darolle/Getty Images
The marriage proposal was apparently quite unusual: it is said that Juan Carlos threw her the box containing the precious token, saying: “Sofi, cógelo!” » [Sofia, attrape- !]. And she caught it.
Sofia's wedding dress
The marriage between the daughter of the Greek king and the heir to the Spanish throne was celebrated with great pomp on May 14, 1962 in Athens according to three rites, one Catholic, the other civil and the last Orthodox. Given the location, the wedding outfit could only be majestic. Princess Sofia, then aged 23, turned to Jean Dessès, one of the most renowned tailors of the time, who had the advantage of being Greek and having his own workshop not only in Athens but also in Paris. We know that for the dress, today permanently exhibited in the rooms of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez treated as a work of art, the best fabrics in circulation were used.
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