Princess Leonor borrows grandmother's dazzling ruby earrings for big family night out

Princess Leonor of Spain turned to her grandmother's jewelry box for her big night out. The Princess of Asturias, 20, wore a pair of diamond and ruby earrings belonging to her paternal grandmother, Queen Sofia, to the 2026 Princess of Asturias Awards on Friday. 

King Felipe's mother, Sofia, received the parure of ruby and diamond jewelry, known as the Niarchos rubies, as a wedding gift from Greek shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos in 1962. The pieces were created by Van Cleef & Arpels, according to HELLO!'s sister brand HOLA!. Sofia has been seen wearing pieces from the set over the years, including the earrings and necklace on the day her husband, Juan Carlos I, was proclaimed King in 1975.

The rubies perfectly complemented Leonor's magenta A-line dress at Friday's awards ceremony. The Princess wore her hair in a half-up, half-down style, which showcased the dazzling earrings.

Queen Sofia, dressed elegantly in a jacket and trousers, was by her granddaughter's side as Leonor sparkled in her jewelry. The ceremony in Oviedo on October 23 was also attended by Queen Letizia, King Felipe and Infanta Sofia.

The Princess of Asturias Awards is convened every year by the Princess of Asturias Foundation, which Leonor has been honorary president of since her father was proclaimed as King back in 2014. Soccer legend Leo Messi and singer Patti Smith were among this year's awards laureates.

King Felipe spoke of his pride in his daughter on Friday, remarking in a speech (translated to English): "Thank you all for joining us, to the Foundation and patrons for making it possible, and to the award winners for the time they have dedicated to us during these days of Asturian immersion. And it is a source of pride—if you will allow me to confess—to see how Leonor , the Princess of Asturias, continues to take firm steps as Honorary President of the Foundation,  while she continues her education and accumulates valuable experiences in her life's learning, as does Infanta Sofía." 

Ahead of the ceremony, earlier in the day, Leonor held her first solo audience with the recipients of the Princess of Asturias Awards. The royal milestone came ahead of the royal's 21st birthday. Letizia and Felipe's older daughter turns 21 on October 31,

The Princess is currently a student at Carlos III University of Madrid, where she is studying Political Science. Before starting university, the heir presumptive to the Spanish throne completed three years of military training.