Queen Letizia's ice-blue gala look for the Macrons' won over Europe's press

The reviews are in, and they're glowing. After King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia hosted a gala dinner at Madrid's Royal Palace for French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, the international press arrived at the same conclusion: Letizia owned the night. Outlets across Europe called her "majestic," and one compared her Carolina Herrera gown to something straight out of a Disney princess's closet.

The banquet capped the first day of the Macrons' state visit, an evening in which Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía also had their moment in the spotlight. But it was Letizia, and the gown and jewels she chose, who dominated coverage.

A royal with a touch of Frozen

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"Queen Letizia dazzled in an ice-blue Carolina Herrera floor-length gown that radiated pure glamour and majesty," wrote HELLO, our sister publication, adding that she "recalled the brave Princess Elsa from Disney's Frozen."

The details only sharpened the fairy-tale effect. "The spectacular gown is from the designer's new collection and features a delicate sheer yoke that wraps around the neckline and is exquisitely adorned with intricate floral motifs, as well as dramatic sleeves that gave the look a commanding presence as she walked," the outlet continued. As for her floral tiara, the magazine called it "a remarkable piece with delicate lines, adorned with diamonds and a unique sparkle that draws every eye."

Germany and France take notice

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Germany's Bunte was just as taken with the look. "Queen Letizia exuded elegance: at 54, she chose an ice-blue cape gown by Venezuelan-American designer Carolina Herrera, embroidered with floral designs," the magazine wrote, noting that she kept her makeup soft and wore her hair swept up.

In France, Point de Vue praised the queen, writing that she "radiated a majestic and surprisingly relaxed presence." Paris Match, meanwhile, gave the evening two leading ladies: "Brigitte Macron and Letizia of Spain shone brightly at the gala dinner held in Madrid."

A borrowed gown and a telling tiara

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The French royal news site Histoires Royales zeroed in on the symbolism. The outlet pointed out that the king and queen wore the red sashes of France's Legion of Honor, and that "Queen Letizia wore a blue gown loaned by Carolina Herrera, a favorite brand of the Spanish queen that is now part of the Puig Group."

The site also read meaning into her tiara. Spain's royal family owns several tiaras with historic ties to the kings of France or made by French jewelers, most notably the sumptuous Cartier tiara. Letizia's pick, Histoires Royales noted, was a nod to Spain itself.

How the Macrons' state visit has unfolded so far

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The glamour came at the end of a long day of protocol. That morning, the king and queen welcomed their French guests in the Royal Palace's Patio de la Armería, where the Macrons received military honors. 

The two couples then had lunch at Zarzuela Palace, and Felipe VI and the French president sat down for a private one-on-one meeting before the evening's state banquet.