Receptions at the Royal Palace always spark keen interest, and the recent gala dinner was no exception. Thanks to protocol photography, we can witness the welcoming ceremony as King Felipe and Queen Letizia greet their guests. This red carpet may lack the Hollywood glamour, but it surpasses it in influence. Key figures from the worlds of business, politics, and culture gather here, showcasing their finest attire and elevated status.
Queen Letizia traditionally becomes the central figure at such events. Her looks are almost always impeccable and are sometimes complemented by historic tiaras from the treasury of the Spanish crown, lending her a truly regal appearance. At the dinner held in honor of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke BΓΌdenbender, all expectations were met: sparkling diamonds, an elegant gown, and a ceremonial atmosphere.
However, this time the queen was not the only star of the evening, though undeniably the brightest. Among the guests were several women whose looks drew keen attention from fashion observers and palace etiquette connoisseurs. Against a backdrop of formal tailcoats and numerous decorations, their outfits stood out all the more, each showcasing her own distinctive style.
The first to make headlines was Ana Patricia BotΓn, one of the most powerful women in Spanish business. We’re used to seeing her in a business look: tailored suits, vibrant scarves, and bold jewelry. But that evening, she decided to break away from her usual style. For the reception at the Royal Palace, the head of Banco Santander chose a striking dress, entirely covered in sequins in a rich violet-pink hue. The look was complemented by a flower-shaped pink handbag, adding a playful touch.
With a broad smile and this eye-catching ensemble, Ana Patricia BotΓn looked younger than her age. Platform high heels, a chunky necklace, and a fur cape (possibly mink) created an interesting mix of textures and styles. Her appearance truly made a fashion statement, proving that the business world is no stranger to imagination and glamour.
In stark contrast stood Esther MuΓ±oz, spokesperson for the People’s Party in the Congress of Deputies. Her style is often compared to that of Isabel DΓaz Ayuso, but this time she took a completely different approach. MuΓ±oz arrived in a classic black pantsuit paired with a crisp white shirt, its collar slightly turned up. Her sleek side-parted hairstyle, minimal makeup, and particularly serious expression gave the impression that she was distinctly displeased.
However, an awkward moment involving Emma Aparisi Vasquez de Parga, the Secretary General for Foreign Affairs in the government, was resolved with smiles. As she approached King Felipe, she stumbled and nearly fell, which startled both the royal couple and the German guests. Fortunately, it all ended with just a brief scare, and the incident quickly became the subject of good-natured jokes, lightening the official mood.
Incidentally, Ana Patricia BotΓn, who drew so much attention with her outfit, is a fourth-generation member of a banking family. She took over Banco Santander in 2014 after the death of her father, Emilio BotΓn. Under her leadership, the bank has significantly strengthened its international position, becoming one of the largest financial groups in the world. Ana Patricia is known for her tough management style and strategic vision. She has frequently been listed among Forbes’ most powerful women in the world. Her career began at JP Morgan in the United States, after which she returned to Spain to continue the family legacy. BotΓn is a strong advocate for digitizing the banking sector and supports educational and social initiatives through the bankβs foundation.
