On May 22, 2004 King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain said ‘I do’ in Madrid’s Almudena Cathedral where many witnessed the future royal couple. Today, they celebrate their 16th wedding anniversary and we want to relive all the beautiful scenes from their majestic day. Felipe and Letizia met at a dinner party held by a mutual friend and secretly dated for a year before announcing their engagement. The former international journalist and then Crown Prince Felipe, announced their engagement during a news conference in November 2003 at the Zarzuela Palace. Six months after, the prince wed his beautiful bride and later on they welcomed two daughters, Princess Leonor and Princess Sophia. Here are the sweetest moments of their royal wedding and happily ever after.
The guests
Over 1,200 guests attended the royal wedding including Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon and his wife Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Queen Rania Of Jordan, who arrived in a floor-length Givenchy dress with a lace skirt in ivory and lilac.
The Entrance
Letizia made a majestic entrance down the aisle along with her father Jesus, also accompanied by her bridesmaids Victoria Codorniu and Claudia González.
The ceremony
Felipe and Letizia said “I do” at Almudena Cathedral on May 22, 2004 which was watched by more than 25 million people in Spain. Letizia was crowned princess wearing a pulchritudinous gown designed by 87-year-old Spanish couturier Manuel Pertegaz. The bridal dress was accompanied by a silk veil and nearly a 15-foot train.
A glance
The royal couple exchanged a sweet glance while leaving the Cathedral. Letizia donned the same diamond tiara her mother-in-law Queen Sofia wore for her wedding to King Juan Carlos.
Leaving the Cathedral
The newlyweds exited the cathedral with a military salute and a cheerful crowd withstanding the rain. After their religious vows, the couple seemed more at ease and were exchanging smiles.
Waving to the crowd
After the wedding, the royal couple waved to the crowd in a Rolls-Royce limousine and everyone witnessed the procession that took place in the streets of Madrid.
Arriving at the Palace
Finally the rain stopped and the couple waved to the crowd at the Royal Palace along with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia on the balcony where they greeted thousands of fans.
Family photo
Following the procession, Felipe and Letizia were accompanied by family members, the flower girls and page boys for a family photo at the Royal Palace in Madrid.
After the vows
Felipe and Letizia exchanged an adorable gesture during a luxurious banquet at the Royal Palace. “I am a happy man because I have fulfilled my most precious dream. I have married the woman I love,” mentioned Felipe during his speech.
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