Queen Letizia looks chic in white as she and King Felipe leave Madrid for their first state visit to Britain

The Spanish royals, left, were given an official farewell with honours at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport as they set off for London, where they will be greeted on behalf of The Queen by The Viscount Brookeborough, Lord-in-Waiting. Queen Letizia, right, and her husband will be formally greeted by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on Horse Guards Parade on Wednesday. It is expected to be 96-year-old Philip's last state visit before he retires from public duties after the summer. The state visit is seen as an important step in securing relations with Spain as the UK leaves the EU. The last incoming state visit by a Spanish king - Felipe's father Juan Carlos - was 31 years ago. The action-packed tour will see the King and Queen enjoy a private lunch at Buckingham Palace, afternoon tea at Clarence House and a State Banquet with a host of faces from the royal family.