MARG
Imperial Majesty
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2005
- Messages
- 10,607
- City
- Christchurch
- Country
- New Zealand
I was really lucky to watch the entire proclamation on a live stream. Don't ask me how, I'm not that technologically savvy and missed the formal Abdication. But, joy of joys, there was no distracting commentators, just the sounds of what was happening.
My first impression was how regal Felipe looked and how Letizia had hit the mark perfectly with her spectacular ensemble (braids and star earrings notwithstanding). From a lot of the comments about her coat, and and looking at the photos, I can only say the Flash Photography is definitely not your friend. They made Letizia's ensemble look hard white and the crystal embrodery pink, whereas to me, she looked to be wearing a blush colour with clear crystals starting out sprinkled around her shoulders and deepening in sparkling colour until at the neck they were gorgeous red and gold. Spain's colours I believe.
My second impression was a moment of regret that she did not stand beside him in the open car as her diminutive height made her hard to see and standing she would have in no way eclipsed him.
My third impression was . . . ouch as I watched Philepe and Letizia "shaking hands". (The video posted earlier showed poor Letizia's hand verifying the pain). But the variety of ways this was accomplished really intrigued me.
All in all, a very good start to a new reign. I loved that the crowds chanted Felipe, Felipe, and when he got in the car the cheers went up as he became visible almost above the horse guard. He seemed quite taken aback.
My first impression was how regal Felipe looked and how Letizia had hit the mark perfectly with her spectacular ensemble (braids and star earrings notwithstanding). From a lot of the comments about her coat, and and looking at the photos, I can only say the Flash Photography is definitely not your friend. They made Letizia's ensemble look hard white and the crystal embrodery pink, whereas to me, she looked to be wearing a blush colour with clear crystals starting out sprinkled around her shoulders and deepening in sparkling colour until at the neck they were gorgeous red and gold. Spain's colours I believe.
My second impression was a moment of regret that she did not stand beside him in the open car as her diminutive height made her hard to see and standing she would have in no way eclipsed him.
My third impression was . . . ouch as I watched Philepe and Letizia "shaking hands". (The video posted earlier showed poor Letizia's hand verifying the pain). But the variety of ways this was accomplished really intrigued me.
- There were traditional correct clipped bows to Felipe and a kiss to Letizia's hand.
- There were beautifully executed curtseys to both, enough to fill an entire thread of bowing and curtseying.
- There were handshakes that took Letizia's hand so high it was above her head.
- There were starstruck uncoordinated stumbles and incoherent mumbles to both P and L.
- And last, and to me the most interesting, those who you could almost hear saying to themselves, "I'm not bowing or curtseying to anyone", and promptly found themselves doing exactly that. The realisation that their countrymen were watching around the world and the solemnity of the occasion led them to resort to that old world courtesy that spoke of their real feelings about the new King and Queen.
- And somewhere, in the mix, there was a Cardinal and a Bishop (I think) and both Felipe and Letizia kissed their rings instead.
The person kissing bows towards the offered hand and (symbolically) touches the knuckles with their lips, while lightly holding the offered hand. However, the lips do not actually touch the hand in modern tradition. The gesture is short, lasting less than a second.
All in all, a very good start to a new reign. I loved that the crowds chanted Felipe, Felipe, and when he got in the car the cheers went up as he became visible almost above the horse guard. He seemed quite taken aback.