Princess Leonor pays tribute to her grandmother with a special piece of jewelry
For the first time, Princess Leonor wore a historic pair of ruby and diamond earrings belonging to Queen Sofía—a family heirloom with a history spanning more than 60 years.
Some pieces of jewelry hold a value that goes far beyond the precious stones from which they are crafted. They carry family memories, span generations, and become symbols of a shared history. This was the case for Princess Leonor, who, on Friday, October 23, chose a very special pair of earrings to wear to the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards: a piece from the collection of her grandmother, Queen Sofía, which had been part of the Queen’s personal history for over six decades.
The heir to the Spanish throne arrived at the Campoamor Theatre in Oviedo wearing a bougainvillea-colored midi dress by Hannibal Laguna, featuring a classic-inspired silhouette and matching accessories. However, the most significant detail of her ensemble was found on her ears: a pair of ruby and diamond drop earrings that belonged to the Queen Emerita—earrings which, according to Spanish media, she had never before lent to any other member of the royal family.
This choice was far more than just a stylish success. The jewelry connects three generations of royal women: Queen Frederica of Greece, her daughter Sofía, and now her granddaughter, Leonor.
The ruby and diamond earrings that Queen Sofía received in 1962
The history of these jewels dates back to May 1962, when Sofía of Greece married the then-Prince Juan Carlos de Borbón in Athens. As a wedding gift, her mother, Queen Frederica of Greece, gave her the ruby and diamond earrings that Leonor brought out once again for this year’s ceremony.
The pieces consist of red rubies—some cut in a cabochon style—surrounded by diamonds. Their elaborate design and combination of precious stones give them a distinctive presence, requiring no additional, heavy jewelry to complement them.
The earrings also share an aesthetic connection with another well-known piece in Queen Sofía’s collection: the ruby and diamond necklace she received as a wedding gift from the Greek shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos. While the two pieces harmonize, they have different origins—the earrings were a gift from Queen Frederica, whereas the necklace came from Niarchos.
For decades, Queen Sofía has worn these pieces on significant occasions. Their appearance on Princess Leonor is particularly noteworthy because, according to reports in the Spanish press, the Queen Emerita had never previously lent them to her own daughters—Infantas Elena and Cristina—nor to her daughter-in-law, Queen Letizia.
Princess Leonor’s tribute to her grandmother at the Princess of Asturias Awards
For the 2026 ceremony, Princess Leonor paired these historic earrings with a midi dress by Hannibal Laguna in a shade between bougainvillea and magenta. The design—featuring a fitted bodice, short sleeves, and a voluminous skirt—evoked a classic, feminine silhouette.
The color of the dress created a natural harmony with the deep red of the rubies, while the diamonds added a touch of radiance. Leonor wore her hair up, a choice that ensured the jewelry remained unobstructed and served as the focal point of her look.
The heir to the throne completed the ensemble with matching accessories and shimmering slingback shoes. Rather than adding a statement necklace, she let the earrings tell their own story.
This choice was made during an especially significant edition for Leonor, who also took part in the events leading up to the ceremony and, for the first time, welcomed the award recipients on her own. In this context, wearing a piece of jewelry that had been with her grandmother for so many years added a personal dimension to one of the most significant engagements on her public agenda.
A piece of jewelry that connects three generations of women
Beyond their material value, the earrings represent a link between three generations of a royal family. Frederica of Greece gifted them to her daughter, Sofía, at a pivotal stage in her life; Sofía kept them for over six decades, and now Leonor has worn them for an event that marks a milestone in her own journey as heir to the throne.
Queen Sofía has developed a unique relationship with her jewelry collection, which includes pieces linked to her own family background alongside others she received upon joining the Spanish royal family. Some have become historic, having been worn at weddings, state receptions, and official celebrations.
In the case of these earrings, their distinctiveness also lies in the fact that they remained closely associated with Sofía’s image for so many years. The fact that Leonor has now worn them makes this appearance a rare moment within the traditions of the royal family.
