Queen of Letizia paid homage to her mother-in-law’s impeccable sense of style today when she wore a Valentino outfit first donned by Queen Sofia in 1977.
King Felipe VI’s wife, 49. recycled the dress worn by her mother-in-law during a visit to Germany 44 years ago with her husband, the disgraced King Juan Carlos, 84, who has gone into exile in the Middle East.
The vintage number consists of a large floor-length green skirt and a delicate pink floral blouse. Letizia updated it with a new pink belt for a diplomatic reception today.
She beamed in Sofia’s outfit as she and Felipe greeted ambassadors to Spain for the annual event at Zarzuela Palace.
Queen Letizia of Spain, King Felipe VI’s wife, 49, sported a Valentino number Queen Sofia, 83, wore during a visit to Germany 44 years ago during a ceremony at Zarzuela Palace this morning
![Queen Sofia, now 83, pictured donning the same Valentino outfit in 1977 during her visit to Germany](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/17/16/53031551-10410517-image-a-29_1642438460407.jpg)
Queen Sofia, now 83, pictured donning the same Valentino outfit in 1977 during her visit to Germany
Letizia stayed true to the aesthetic of Sofia’s outfit and kept her accessories to a minimum.
The deep green skirt gently brushed against the floor as she stood by her husband and greeted each of her guests for the day.
The delicate blouse was adorned with pale pink roses with green leaves that matched the skirt. The see-through sleeves were tied at the wrists with a shiny pink ribbon.
Sofia, who was 39 when she wore the Valentino number, cinched the top at the waist with a bow and had also chosen to pair the outfit with a sparkling diamond necklace and matching bracelets and earrings.
![The delicate blouse was adorned with pink roses and greed leaves, which matched the floor-length skirt](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/17/12/53021897-10410517-image-m-8_1642423075089.jpg)
The delicate blouse was adorned with pink roses and greed leaves, which matched the floor-length skirt
![Each year, Felipe VI, centre, and Letizia, right, welcome foreign ambassadors to the Palace for a New Year reception](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/17/18/53021893-10410517-Each_year_Felipe_VI_centre_and_Letizia_right_welcome_foreign_amb-a-199_1642443090401.jpg)
Each year, Felipe VI, centre, and Letizia, right, welcome foreign ambassadors to the Palace for a New Year reception
Her daughter-in-law opted for a fitted built-in belt without a bow, which matched the silky collar and wrists of the top.
Letizia kept the outfit simple, and was not wearing a necklace nor a bracelet.
Her brown locks were styled in a slick pony, revealing she was wearing a beautiful pair of drop earrings made of emerald and ruby, which perfectly matched the outfit.
The mother-of-two was wearing a face mask, but was still sporting a fresh makeup, with her signature smoky eye and a sculpted brow.
![King Felipe VI looked dapper in a tailcoat. His wife decided to pay homage to his mother with her colourful outfit](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/17/12/53021895-10410517-image-m-9_1642423219165.jpg)
King Felipe VI looked dapper in a tailcoat. His wife decided to pay homage to his mother with her colourful outfit
Meanwhile, King Felipe Vi looked smart in a dark tailcoat and grey trousers.
The event, which takes place each year, sees the royal couple welcoming ambassadors to Zarzuela Palace for a reception marking the new year.
After each envoy has presented their well wishes to the Spanish sovereign, the King addresses his guest during his speech.
Letizia started 2022 in style, sporting to very strong looks for her first official engagements of the year.
![Sofia turned heads in 1977 when she wore the outfit in Germany during a visit with her husband King Juan Carlos, now 84, centre](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/01/17/18/53021839-10410517-Sofia_turned_heads_in_1977_when_she_wore_the_outfit_in_Germany_d-a-198_1642443090398.jpg)
Sofia turned heads in 1977 when she wore the outfit in Germany during a visit with her husband King Juan Carlos, now 84, centre
She donned a splendid navy dress for her first event of the year on January 6 at the traditional Pascua Militar ceremony in Madrid.
Wrapped in a short black coat, the Spanish royal, who enjoyed the Christmas break with her family away from the spotlight, looked well rested at today’s event, which was combined with a reception at the Palacio Real, to mark Epiphany – a national holiday in Spain.
Considered almost as important as Christmas Day itself, Epiphany marks the moment when baby Jesus, at just a few days old, was seen for the first time by the Magi or Three Kings.
Tradition has it that the Queen always has to wear a floor-length number for this first engagement of the year, and Letizia picked a magnificent navy blue gown for the occasion.
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