Chronic illness?

Letizia wears toe sandals with her evening dress

Queen Letizia and King Felipe on their way to a concert to mark the 10th anniversary of their enthronement.(Bild: MC Boti / Action Press)

Spanish Queen Letizia, known as one of Europe's most elegant royals, has surprised everyone in recent months with a fashionable U-turn. The 51-year-old style icon, who is normally admired for her impeccable high heels, has suddenly appeared in flat shoes. What's behind this unexpected change?

The former journalist wore toe sandals for King Felipe's tenth anniversary on the throne, which is being celebrated with lavish festivities this week. Certainly the most unusual footwear imaginable for a queen. 

 The Queen was seen wearing the flat shoes both at a reception in the afternoon and at a concert in the evening. 

Health reasons behind the change of style?
Why this sudden change? According to palace circles, Letizia broke a toe in a domestic accident, making it impossible to wear high heels. But there's more: Spanish media speculate that the Queen suffers from Morton's neuroma - a painful nerve disorder in the forefoot that is aggravated by tight or high heels.

During her most recent appearances, it was also revealed that Letizia has stabilized several toes with plaster bandages. 

Letizia proves that you can make an impressive appearance even in flat shoes and shows that women should have the courage to forgo high-heeled and other unhealthy shoes for the sake of their health.

It will be interesting to see what other fashion surprises the Queen has in store for us.