ruth901
Spanish royals with the PopeCurious reason: That's why Princess Sofía is the only one who wears flat shoes
The Spanish royal family met Pope Leo XIV in Madrid.
picture alliance / Sipa USA | Oscar González
Shoes with heels are actually considered good form for royals!
The Spanish king's daughters Leonor (20) and Sofía (19) appeared in Madrid at the reception for Pope Leo XIV (70). The two appeared in very similar looks alongside their parents, King Felipe (58) and Queen Letizia (53). But one detail in the younger sister's outfit caught the eye.
Flat shoes for the second born royal daughter of Spain
Sofía wore a black outfit, just like the heir to the throne, but paired it with flat shoes. Leonor, on the other hand, presented pumps with a narrow heel. According to media reports, this was deliberately chosen to compensate for the height difference of more than five centimeters between the two sisters so that the second-born does not tower over the heir to the throne.
While the heir to the throne Leonor (l.) wore heels, Sofía chose flat shoes.
picture alliance / Sipa USA | Oscar González
This small but subtle difference in the princesses' wardrobes could already be observed on previous official occasions: For example, at the funeral of Irene of Greece in January 2026 or at the presentation of the Princess of Asturias Awards last October.
On the left the royal family at the presentation of the Princess of Asturias Awards, on the right at the funeral of Irene of Greece.
picture alliance / abaca | Europa Press/ABACA // picture alliance / ZUMAPRESS.com | Aristidis Vafeiadakis
Reading tip: Important premiere for Crown Princess Leonor of Spain (20)
Queen Letizia stands out in a white dress – that's why
For their outfits for the Pope's visit, the royal sisters otherwise opted for dark midi dresses with simple cuts, in keeping with the solemnity of the occasion. Heir to the throne Leonor wore a flowing dress with a wide belt that accentuated her waist, while her sister opted for a similar piece in a more casual style.
Reading tip: Royal girls chat! Three future queens write about this on WhatsApp
King Felipe also wore dark clothing for the meeting with the Pope, while Queen Letizia chose a white lace dress with a flared skirt for the occasion. The color of your wardrobe has a special meaning: Only selected Catholic queens are allowed to wear a white outfit when meeting the pope. She had already worn the white dress that she presented to greet Leo XIV on a state visit to Egypt in September 2025. (spot on)
Source used: Spot on news, Picture Alliance
