Prince Harry has accompanied King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain on a visit to Westminster Abbey — the royal’s first official duty as part of a state visit.
Harry, 32, greeted the royal couple outside the iconic London landmark on Thursday.
The Dean of Westminster, John Hall, was also on hand to welcome the guests of honour on the second day of their brief visit to the capital. Upon arrival, he led the group inside for a tour of the historic site – which was live streamed on the Abbey’s Facebook page.
The event was Prince Harry’s first official duty as part of a state visit.
The Spanish royals are currently on a three-day state visit to the UK.
Felipe, 49, and Letizia, 44, a former television news anchor, kicked off the sombre affair with a wreath laying ceremony at the grave of the unknown warrior. They also took the time to visit the tomb of Eleanor of Castile, the 13th century Spanish princess who married Edward I.
Letizia — Spain’s answer to Kate Middleton — opted for a demure, though elegant ensemble, featuring a blue silk blouse and embroidered A-line skirt by American-Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera. She accented the look with black heels and an oversized clutch.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia laid a wreath of yellow roses and red carnations at the grave of the unknown warrior.
The sombre event follows a glittering state banquet held in honour of the international royals.
The event follows a glamourous state banquet at Buckingham Palace held in honour of the Spanish royals.
The black-tie affair, which took place in the palace ballroom on Wednesday evening, saw a huge 170 guest turn out — including an abundance of royal family favourites: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Prince William, Duchess Catherine, Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.
All eyes were on Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, as the 35-year-old dazzled in a bespoke Marchesa gown. She accented the dusty-pink look with the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara — one of Princess Diana’s favourites.
Meanwhile, the queens made a dazzling pair, with Letizia donning a vibrant off-the-shoulder red dress, and Her Majesty the Queen opting for a satin, white Angela Kelly dress with sparkling embellishments.
Kate topped off her elegant ensemble with the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara – one of Princess Diana’s favourites.
The Queens made a striking pair!
According to the Daily Express, guests dined on dishes such as poached fillet of salmon trout with fennel in a white wine veloute sauce, Scottish beef medallions with bone marrow and truffles, runner beans with sautéed radishes, celeriac salad, fondant potatoes, yellow and green zucchini and summer squash and dark chocolate and raspberry tarts.
“Your majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh and I are delighted to welcome you and Queen Letizia to Buckingham Palace this evening,” the Queen said in her welcoming speech.
“This state visit is an expression of the deep respect and friendship that describes relations between Spain and the United Kingdom. Just occasionally, a state visit can provide great opportunity for great personal happiness also.”
“So it was more than a century ago when your great-grandfather, King Alfonzo the 13th, met his future wife, Princess Victoria Eugenie, the granddaughter of our Queen Victoria, in this very ballroom.”
The Head of State reflected on Felipe’s parents’ visit back in 1986, before adding, “We remain deeply committed to the common defense and freedom of our countries.”
The important visit is aimed at solidifying England’s ties with Spain in a post-Brexit climate.
