The familiar image of a monarch is inseparably linked in the public mind with the crown—a symbol of power and majesty. However, the Spanish royal court offers a curious exception to this rule. Queen Letizia, shining at the most solemn state receptions, invariably appears in magnificent tiaras, but never in a true crown. This intriguing fact opens a unique chapter in the history of jewelry art and the traditions of Spain’s high aristocracy.
The key lies in the fundamental difference between these headpieces, one that is both formal and deeply symbolic. A crown is a closed circle, historically the attribute of the sovereign—a sign of supreme authority. A tiara, on the other hand, is an open diadem, an exquisite ornament reserved for noble women. The distinction was clear: heads of state would wear one, members of high society another. This explains the specific collection of jewels in the Spanish monarchy’s jewelry box.
While the queen does not have a crown, the two most prominent families in the country—the Alba and Medinaceli houses—can proudly display their own regalia. The ducal crown of the House of Alba is not merely an ornament; it is a genuine historical artifact. It was presented as a wedding gift to María Francisca de Sales Portocarrero, known as Paca Alba, by her sister, Empress Eugénie de Montijo. The event was documented in the press as early as February 1859. The crown is adorned with eight acanthus leaf florets, each topped with large emeralds.
Despite its venerable age, this treasure does not sit gathering dust in a safe. Not long ago, the public could see it in a portrait of Sofía Palazuelo, the current Duchess of Alba, which underscores the enduring bond between generations and family heirlooms. Moreover, like many pieces of high-class jewelry, the crown is transformable: its components can be removed, turning it into a more modest tiara or even incorporated into a necklace.
The second famous crown belongs to the House of Medinaceli. This magnificent 19th-century creation, made of pearls and diamonds, also follows heraldic traditions. In recent years, it has appeared on brides of the family; in 2010, Laura Vecino wore it at her wedding, and in June 2023, Sol Medina Orleans-Braganza. These occasions allow the wider public to connect with living history.
However, the fate of this relic has not been without its own modern twists. The current Duchess of Medinaceli, Victoria von Hohenlohe-Langenburg, was unable to wear the family heirloom at her own wedding. The reason was a prolonged inheritance dispute, which has created division within one of the most influential families in Spain.
The emergence of such crowns among the aristocracy is a phenomenon of the 19th century, tied to the regency of María Cristina de Borbón-Dos Sicilias. The old nobility sought ways to emphasize their status and distance themselves from the rapidly rising bourgeoisie. The new elites could afford the latest and most expensive tiaras from Parisian jewelers, but the ducal crown remained an exclusive heraldic symbol—a mark of ancient lineage that could not be simply bought.
Thus, the absence of a crown at Queen Letizia’s personal disposal is not an oversight, but a matter of strict historical tradition. Her position is to wear tiaras appropriate for official ceremonies. True crowns, the unique symbols of noble origins, rightfully remain the property of the great ducal houses, serving as tangible reminders of Spain’s rich and complex past.
