Why Only These 7 Women in the World
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.
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.
