The biker princess

Letizia likes a bit of fashion, we know that, but this has to be the first time a princess has turned up at a public engagement rocking a biker jacket.  The princess was bang on trend, and miles from tradition, when she launched the start of the Training Year in Santander on October 8th 2013.

 

Princess Letizia of Spain talks to trainees in a helicopter hangar in Santander in October 2013

 

Add a lacy, Victoria style blouse and skinny black trousers with black heels and the whole outfit could be on the what to wear this autumn page of any magazine.  But is it a royal uniform?  Letizia has been criticized in the past for choosing fashion above formality and attending engagements in unsuitable outfits.  All eyes will be on her wardrobe choices this Saturday when she accompanies the Prince of Asturias as he oversees the military parade for Spain's national day for the first time. 

 

 

The biker princess - Letizia kicks off the year of training in Santander

 

With the king still recuperating from his recent operation, his heir will take the salute.  Queen Sofia won't be present at the parade either - protocol means that different military honours are due to the consort and the Crown Prince and things would get confused.  Instead, she will lead the reception at the Zarzuela Palace afterwards.  But that means Letizia's choice of clothes will be even more important.  She's been accused of being too casual at really big events in the past.  This major moment for her and her prince, ten years after their engagement, will be a real test of mixing fashion with duty.