High fashion can be hard

It's one thing to be stylish, another to be on trend but being a fashion setter is a whole different ball game. And for royal ladies, it can be hard work. There's a difference between picking an already established piece that everyone loves and wants to buy and trying to actually set trends. Anything too out there could overshadow the event you're attending and end up making you look like you just tried far too hard. Welcome, Queen Letizia, to the tricky world of fashion leader.

Queen Letizia of Spain at the Telefonica Ability Awards in Madrid on January 12th 2015 where she went for high fashion and fell

The queen donned a beyond on trend outfit for her latest outing - she was presenting the Telefonica Ability Awards in Madrid. But from the moment she stepped out of her car this engagement was all about the outfit rather than the prizes. 

Letizia of Spain goes high fashion in Madrid

The look hit the blocky black and white mix colour scheme that is right here, right now in a New Look inspired outfit that seemed to swamp the queen. The big problem with being that far ahead of the fashion curve is that it loses that air of familiarity that makes royal outfits so desirable but obtainable. Trying out a style before everyone else is doing it gives and edge but it also gives problems because for a start everyone just wants to look and work out what you are wearing. The big moment for the firm or charity being visited is lost in a series of 'what is she wearing' questions. It's not an issue for royal men, unless they go completely off the dark suit and white shirt message, but royal women are still judged by how they look and what they wear. The awards came second yesterday to the skirt.

The Queen of Spain arrives at the Telefonica Ability Awards in Madrid

And when everyone wants a photo it can be hard to stop an engagement turning into a fashion shoot. It's great fun to see what royal ladies where but sadly the message of the good work they do while wearing it can be lost. And hitting the high fashion buttons makes that even more likely. Letizia's look yesterday wasn't her best but it also raised questions of what a royal lady can get away with at work. And showed that high fashion is still tricky for queens and princesses.

What do you think of Queen Letizia's latest look? Check out the image gallery here.