Why Only These 7 Women in the World Are Allowed to Wear White When Meeting the Pope

Vatican protocol traditionally outlines strict guidance on attire for meetings with the pope, reserving the privilege of wearing white for only a select few royal women. This rare honor symbolizes virtues of purity, innocence, and peace and is known as “privilège du blanc” in French or “il privilegio del bianco” in Italian.

Historically, all women meeting the pope were expected to dress modestly in black, complete with long sleeves and a mantilla or veil. Queen Consort Camilla notably adhered to this tradition when meeting Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. However, in 2017, during an audience with Pope Francis, Camilla opted for a pale gold outfit without a head covering, signaling a shift towards more relaxed standards acknowledged by the Vatican.

Pope Francis meets with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on September 14, 2023, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images

Despite the easing of certain rules, the privilege of wearing white remains strictly limited. Only seven royal women globally possess this special right, though even they cannot wear white during papal funerals. These women include Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia of Spain, Belgium’s Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola, Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Marina of Naples, and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

This select group has often been photographed in white during various audiences and special masses. For instance, Princess Charlene wore a pristine white ensemble, complete with gloves and a mantilla, during her private audience with Pope Francis in January 2016.

However, even these privileged women are required to adhere strictly to the mourning dress code during funerals. Following Pope Francis’ passing in April 2025, royals like Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium attended the funeral service in solemn black attire, complete with veils. This attire, symbolizing humility and respect, typically involves modest black dresses, minimal jewelry, and closed, understated footwear.

At Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, 2025, royal attendees adhered strictly to this protocol. Queen Letizia, for example, wore a black dress with a modest neckline, complemented by a traditional black veil, clearly signaling respect and adherence to Vatican customs.

Wearing white to papal funerals remains expressly forbidden, reinforcing the sacred nature of the occasion and the exclusivity of the privilege in other contexts.

The tradition of the “privilège du blanc” highlights the close ties between certain royal houses and the Catholic Church, granting these few women a distinctive mark of respect and honor during their papal audiences.

In May 2025, following the passing of Pope Francis, a new pope was swiftly elected. On May 8, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti joyfully announced to the world the selection of Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. Addressing the crowd from Saint Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV warmly greeted the faithful, initiating a hopeful new chapter for the Catholic Church.