Overview
- The French presidential visit, which began Tuesday with a formal welcome at the Royal Palace of Madrid, featured military honors, national anthems, a 21‑gun salute and a review of the Royal Guard.
- King Felipe awarded Emmanuel Macron the Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic and decorated Brigitte Macron with the Grand Cross, and both recipients wore their insignia at the state banquet.
- Queen Letizia appeared in a pearl‑gray Pertegaz dress for the welcome and a Carolina Herrera gown with the historic Spanish Floral Tiara at the banquet, with the tiara’s three diamond flowers able to detach as brooches or a necklace.
- The state banquet’s menu was created by Michelin‑starred chef Joan Roca, using high‑profile culinary diplomacy to showcase Spanish culture and hospitality.
- A Spain‑France Trade and Investment Forum on the second day will focus on AI and digital cooperation and is expected to press Spain to complete ratification of the 2023 friendship treaty that France ratified in March 2025.