Letizia remains faithful to Varela for Sofia's First Communion

Today was a significant social occasion for the Spanish royal family. The King and Queen of Spain attended their youngest daughter Infanta Sofia's First Holy Communion. They were also joined by their eldest daughter Leonor, Princess of Asturias.

The communion was a family affair with Queen Sofia and King Juan-Carlos joining Letizia's parents and grandmother, and Sofia's godfather, Konstantin-Assen of Bulgaria.

The ceremony was held in a simple parish in Aravaca, a quiet neighborhood of Madrid. Spanish royals traditionally take their First Communion alone at the Palace of Zarzuela, but that protocol changed in 2015 when Princess Leonor received the sacrament with her classmates. Today, Infanta Sofia also joined her peers from the Santa Maria de los Rosales school for the Communion service. There was no chiffon dress, tiara or flowers for the young princess. Instead she was dressed in her school inform. ​

Queen Letizia looked elegant in a mint green creation by Felipe Varela, the only designer she trusts for such momentous occasions. The look was on par with the Varela design she wore for Leonor's First Communion in 2015.

However, unlike her unorthodox choice of transparent vinyl accessories for Leonor's communion, Letizia opted for conventional supplements today. She teamed the embriodered lace coat with her pewter Felipe Varela clutch and on her feet she debuted the Magrit 'Barbara' pumps (US$345).

We saw the return of her diamond cluster drop earrings which Letizia premiered in October 2014 for the opening night of the Prince of Asturias Awards. Their provenance remains unknown.

Following the service, the royal family shook hands with well-wishers who had gathered out the front of the Parish before heading home for a private celebratory lunch.