The Spanish Royal Family held a magnificent State Banquet at the Royal Palace of Madrid for American President Ronald Reagan and the First Lady Nancy Reagan on this day in 1985, 40 years ago.
King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain hosted the State Banquet for American President Ronald Reagan and the First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Royal Palace of Madrid, with the President giving a Speech:
Your Majesties, 1985 is a year laden with anniversaries of great historical significance. It was 500 years ago that Christopher Columbus and his son Diego came to Spain seeking support for a voyage of exploration. Much will be said about this as we prepare to celebrate 7 years from now, the quincentennial discovery of the Americas. Yet it’s not so much the voyage but rather the decision to make the voyage that we should commemorate.
Your Majesties, today let us be grateful for that love of liberty deeply rooted in the soul of our people. Yes, its fire will light the way to a future more glorious than the golden age of yesteryear. We’re building a new world of peace, progress, and freedom.
And I now ask all of you to join me in a toast to His Majesty the King and to the people of Spain, all champions of democracy.
Queen Sofia wore the Mellerio Shell Tiara.
Infanta Elena was in the Spanish Floral Tiara.
Infanta Cristina wore the Prussian Diamond Tiara.
