{"id":27637,"date":"2025-05-15T15:57:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:57:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=27637"},"modified":"2025-05-15T15:57:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T15:57:56","slug":"why-only-these-7-women-in-the-world-are-allowed-to-wear-white-when-meeting-the-pope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=27637","title":{"rendered":"Why Only These 7 Women in the World Are Allowed to Wear White When Meeting the Pope"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Vatican rules offer guidance on how people should dress when meeting the pope during specific occasions. However, wearing white is a privilege reserved for only a handful of royal women to symbolize three specific virtues.<\/p>\n

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Many people have met different popes throughout the years, but only seven women worldwide are allowed to wear white when meeting him. However, they are not permitted to do so when attending papal funerals. Here is what we know about the tradition.<\/p>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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How the Dress Code for Royal Women Meeting the Pope Changed<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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When the current Queen Consort, Camilla, was still the Duchess of Cornwall, she met Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. During that meeting, she wore the customary black dress with long sleeves and a lace mantilla, or veil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Camilla,<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, meets Pope Benedict XVI on April 27, 2009, in Italy | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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This dress code had been observed by women for centuries when meeting His Holiness. However, in April 2017, when Camilla met the now-late Pope Francis, she chose a pale gold dress and coat by Anna Valentine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Francis poses with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, during the royal couple’s visit to the Vatican on April 4, 2017, in Vatican City | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Queen Consort opted not to wear headwear, seemingly defying the Vatican’s dress code. However, her look was not an issue, as Pope Francis welcomed the change. A Vatican spokesperson once\u00a0explained<\/a>, “Things have become more relaxed over the last few years [sic] there are no hard and fast rules.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Since Camilla’s husband, King Charles III, is the head of the Anglican Church, she was\u00a0required to wear black<\/a>\u00a0instead of white during her audience with the pope. When she met Pope Francis two weeks before his death during her royal tour of Italy, she wore a black dress with cropped sleeves and a knee-length skirt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Francis meets with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Vatican City, Vatican, on April 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The meeting marked her first papal audience since her husband’s accession in September 2022. She respected a nuanced rule, as she does not have permission to wear white for such meetings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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When the now-late Queen Elizabeth met with the pope, she always wore black. However, since Francis became pope, Elizabeth has chosen to stick to her signature colorful style when meeting him. For instance, in 2014, she wore a lilac suit with a matching hat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Britain's<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Pope Francis during their meeting at Vatican City on April 3, 2014 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While wearing colors may now be acceptable, wearing white is reserved for a few. So when, in 2006, when Cherie Blair did exactly that when she met Pope Benedict XVI, subsequent headlines mocked her,\u00a0stating<\/a>\u00a0that she had a “grand idea of herself.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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In the past, white dresses were only permitted for a few Catholic queens and princesses. When Princess Charlene of Monaco met Pope Francis in January 2016, she\u00a0adhered to<\/a>\u00a0the “privil\u00e8ge du blanc” in French or “il privilegio del bianco” in Italian, meaning “privilege of the white.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Princess<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Princess Charlene of Monaco during a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on January 18, 2016 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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She wore a white jacket, matching driving gloves, a mantilla, and nude heels. The only color she added to her ensemble was her red lipstick. Besides Charlene,\u00a0only six other queens<\/a>\u00a0and senior female royals worldwide officially qualify for the “privil\u00e8ge du blanc” dress code.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Francis is greeted by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the Castle of Laeken, near Brussels, on September 27, 2024 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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They include Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain, Belgium’s Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola, Grand Duchess Mar\u00eda Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Marina of Naples.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Belgium's<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Belgium’s King Albert II and Queen Paola during a mass in memory of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Koekelberg, in Brussels, on April 24, 2025 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Protocol states that\u00a0those with permission<\/a>\u00a0may wear white for papal events like private audiences, canonizations, beatifications, and special masses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope John Paul II meets Queen Sofia and King Juan Carlos of Spain at his private library in the Apostolic Palace on September 29, 1998, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Why Some Royals Wore Veils for Pope Francis’ Funeral<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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On April 26, 2025, Pope Francis’ funeral was held at St. Peter’s Square in Rome following his death on April 21, Easter Monday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Grand<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Grand Duchess of Luxembourg Mar\u00eda Teresa Mestre Batista and Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter\u2019s Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Many people came to pay their respects, including royals like Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Queen Rania of Jordan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Princess<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco ahead of the late Pope Francis’ funeral ceremony at St Peter’s Square | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"King<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

King Felipe, Queen Letizia, and Queen Sofia arrive to sign a book of condolences for the death of Pope Francis I, at the Apostolic Nunciature, on April 22, 2025, in Madrid, Spain | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The trio wore black outfits and veils at the late pontiff’s service. Queen Letizia wore a black dress with a round neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves. The 50-year-old royal also\u00a0wore a black veil<\/a>\u00a0and a pair of matching heels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Queen<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Queen Letizia at the exit after signing a book of condolences for the death of Pope Francis I, at the Apostolic Nunciature, on April 22, 2025, in Madrid, Spain | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Letizia carried a black handbag while walking with her husband, who matched her look with a black suit. Women are reportedly obligated to wear a veil when meeting the pope, regardless of the occasion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the funeral of Pope Francis | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The long-standing Catholic Church tradition symbolizes humility and respect. Women are expected to wear a modest black dress with a low hem, long sleeves, and minimal jewelry. The mourning veil is generally made from tulle, lace, or fine netting material that is see-through.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope John Paul II and Emmanuel of Savoy with his wife Marina and their son Emmanuel Filiberto in Rome, Italy, on December 23, 2002 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Danielle Stacey, a royal correspondent,\u00a0explained<\/a>, “Dressing head-to-toe in black is typically reserved for funerals and remembrance. Coincidentally, a black outfit is an essential item when all royals travel overseas, so that they are appropriately dressed in the event of a family death when they are abroad.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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However, wearing a white veil at the pope’s funeral is forbidden.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Charlene,<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Charlene, Princess of Monaco, kisses the hand of Pope Francis, as her husband, Prince Albert II of Monaco, looks on before a private audience with the pontiff at the Vatican on January 18, 2016 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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While attending the 88-year-old pope’s funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica, royals like Queen Letizia followed the Vatican dress protocol. Vatican protocol for farewell ceremonies states that attendees must wear black or dark colors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Benedict XVI welcomed by Spain’s Prince Felipe and Spain’s Princess Letizia in Santiago de Compostela, on November 6, 2010 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Women are expected to wear long or knee-length dresses with long sleeves, while adornments should be avoided as a sign of deep respect. Jewelry should also not be flashy or ostentatious.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Francis meets King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at the Paul VI Hall on April 28, 2014, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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However, jewelry like pearls is a respectful choice, as seen when Queen Sof\u00eda wore them at Pope John Paul II’s funeral on April 8, 2005. The choice of footwear is also crucial, with low heels being preferred.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Francis greets King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, followed by King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium, after the canonisation on April 27, 2014, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Shoes should be minimalist and closed. Wearing white, the color of the pope’s cassock, or\u00a0invoking<\/a>\u00a0the “privil\u00e8ge du blanc” is not an option for funerals, as the rule does not apply. The privilege is symbolic, representing purity, innocence, and peace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Spain's<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Spain’s King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia welcome Pope Benedict XVI upon his arrival at Madrid’s Barajas airport, on August 18, 2011 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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According to reports, it is a mark of honor for royal houses that have maintained strong ties to the Catholic Church. The seven royal women permitted to wear white around the pope during certain events have maintained this tradition throughout the years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Francis receives the Grand Duke Henry of Luxembourg and the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, who is holding their granddaughter, the princess Amalia, at the Vatican City, on March 21, 2016 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Queen Sofia of Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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On February 10, 1997, Queen Sofia was pictured wearing all white, including a veil, while meeting Pope Paul VI with King Juan Carlos and other Spanish royals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Paul VI with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at the Vatican, on February 10, 1977 | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Queen Letizia of Spain<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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When Queen Letizia met\u00a0Pope Francis<\/a>\u00a0with King Felipe VI at his private library in the Apostolic Palace on June 30, 2014, in Vatican City, she was dressed in white. This marked her first meeting with the former head of the Catholic Church since Felipe VI became king.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Francis meets King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain in the Apostolic Palace on June 30, 2014, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Queen Paola of Belgium<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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White clothing and a veil were the order of the day when Queen Paola met Pope John Paul II at his private library in the Apostolic Palace on May 15, 1998, in Vatican City.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope John Paul II meets Queen Paola of Belgium at his private library in the Apostolic Palace on May 15, 1998, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Queen Mathilde of Belgium<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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On March 9, 2015, when Queen Mathilde met Pope Francis, she graciously received a rosary during a private audience at the Vatican while wearing all white.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Pope Francis gives a rosary to Queen Mathilde of Belgium on March 9, 2015, at the Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Grand Duchess Mar\u00eda Teresa of Luxembourg<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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Grand Duchess Mar\u00eda Teresa wore a white veil and clothing when she received a rosary from Pope Benedict XVI during an audience at his private library at the Vatican on May 8, 2006.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Benedict XVI meets the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg at the Vatican, May 8, 2006, in Vatican City | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Princess Marina of Naples<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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On May 18, 2003, Pope John Paul II acknowledged bishops, Emanuele Filiberto and his mother, Princess Marina Doria, and his father, Prince Victor Emmanuel, while arriving in St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile for a special mass in Vatican City.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope John Paul II acknowledges Emanuele Filiberto, his mother, Princess Marina Doria, and his father, Prince Victor Emmanuel, in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2003, in Vatican City | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Princess Charlene of Monaco<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Pope<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Pope Benedict XVI meets Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco on January 12, 2013, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The last royal permitted to wear white on certain occasions, Princess Charlene of Monaco, wore the attire when meeting Pope Benedict XVI with Prince Albert II of Monaco during a private audience at his library on January 12, 2013, in Vatican City. Speaking about popes, a new one was elected in 2025.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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