The Vatican has set protocols outlining appropriate attire for those meeting the pope on formal occasions. Still, the color white is a special honor reserved for a select group of royal women, symbolizing three particular virtues.
Over the years, countless individuals have had audiences with various popes, but just seven women in the world hold the privilege of wearing white in his presence. This exception, however, does not extend to papal funerals. Here’s what we’ve learned about this unique tradition.
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
How Royal Women’s Dress Code for Papal Visits Has Evolved
Back in 2009, when Camilla held the title Duchess of Cornwall, she visited Pope Benedict XVI. For the occasion, she adhered to tradition by donning a long-sleeved black dress and a lace mantilla, the customary veil worn for such audiences.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, meets Pope Benedict XVI on April 27, 2009, in Italy | Source: Getty Images
For centuries, women have followed this dress tradition when granted an audience with His Holiness. Yet in April 2017, during her meeting with the now-late Pope Francis, Camilla opted for a soft gold ensemble—an elegant dress and coat by Anna Valentine.
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
The Queen Consort chose to forgo traditional headwear, subtly breaking with the Vatican’s usual attire expectations. Still, her appearance raised no concerns, as Pope Francis embraced the more modern approach. A Vatican official once remarked, “In recent years, the guidelines have eased—there are no strict rules anymore.”
Because her husband, King Charles III, leads the Anglican Church, protocol required her to wear black rather than white when meeting the pope. On her visit to Pope Francis, just two weeks before his passing during a royal trip to Italy, she wore a black outfit featuring a knee-length skirt and cropped sleeves.
Pope Francis meets with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Vatican City, Vatican, on April 9, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
The occasion marked her initial audience with the pope since her husband’s rise to the throne in September 2022. She adhered to a subtle tradition, as she isn’t granted the privilege of wearing white during such visits.
When the late Queen Elizabeth had audiences with the pope, she consistently dressed in black. Yet, since Pope Francis assumed the papacy, Elizabeth opted to maintain her trademark colorful wardrobe for their encounters. In 2014, for example, she donned a lilac ensemble complete with a coordinated hat.
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and Pope Francis during their meeting at Vatican City on April 3, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Though wearing colors is now generally accepted, white remains a privilege for the select few. So, when Cherie Blair chose to wear white in 2006 while meeting Pope Benedict XVI, she faced ridicule in the media, with headlines claiming she had a “high opinion of herself.”
Historically, white attire was reserved for a handful of Catholic queens and princesses. When Princess Charlene of Monaco met Pope Francis in January 2016, she honored the “privilège du blanc” in French, or “il privilegio del bianco” in Italian, which translates to the “privilege of white.”
Princess Charlene of Monaco during a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on January 18, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
She donned a white jacket paired with matching driving gloves, a mantilla, and nude heels. The only pop of color came from her red lipstick. Apart from Charlene, only six other queens and senior female royals across the globe are entitled to the “privilège du blanc” dress code.
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
This group features Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Marina of Naples.
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
Protocol dictates that those granted permission can wear white for papal occasions such as private audiences, canonizations, beatifications, and special masses.
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
Why Some Royals Wore Veils for Pope Francis’ Funeral
On April 26, 2025, Pope Francis’ funeral took place in St. Peter’s Square in Rome after his passing on April 21, Easter Monday.
Grand Duchess of Luxembourg María Teresa Mestre Batista and Grand Duke of Luxembourg Henri at the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square on April 26, 2025, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images
A large number of people gathered to honor the occasion, including royals such as Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Queen Rania of Jordan.
Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco ahead of the late Pope Francis’ funeral ceremony at St Peter’s Square | Source: Getty Images
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
The three women donned black attire and veils for the late pope’s memorial service. Queen Letizia chose a black dress featuring a round neckline and three-quarter sleeves. The 50-year-old monarch complemented the look with a black veil and matching heels.
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
Letizia held a black handbag as she walked alongside her husband, who coordinated with her in a black suit. It’s reported that women are required to wear a veil when meeting the pope, no matter the event.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium at the funeral of Pope Francis | Source: Getty Images
The Catholic Church’s enduring tradition represents humility and reverence. Women are required to wear a modest black dress with a low hem, long sleeves, and subtle jewelry. The mourning veil is typically crafted from tulle, lace, or delicate netting, allowing some transparency.
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
Danielle Stacey, a royal journalist, shared, “Wearing all black is generally reserved for funerals and memorials. Interestingly, a black outfit is a must-have for royals when traveling abroad, ensuring they’re properly attired in case of a family death while overseas.”
However, wearing a white veil at the pope’s funeral is not allowed.
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
At the funeral of the 88-year-old pope at St. Peter’s Basilica, royals such as Queen Letizia adhered to the Vatican’s dress code. According to the Vatican’s guidelines for farewell services, guests are required to wear black or other dark hues.
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
Women are required to wear dresses that reach the knees or longer, with long sleeves, while avoiding embellishments as a mark of profound respect. Jewelry should remain understated and not extravagant.
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
Still, certain jewelry, like pearls, is seen as appropriate—Queen Sofía notably wore them at Pope John Paul II’s funeral on April 8, 2005. Footwear also matters, with low-heeled shoes being the favored option.
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
Footwear should be simple and fully enclosed. Wearing white—the same shade as the pope’s cassock—or claiming the “privilège du blanc” is not permitted at funerals, as the custom doesn’t extend to such occasions. The privilege itself carries symbolic meaning, reflecting purity, peace, and innocence.
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
Reports say it’s considered a sign of distinction for royal families with longstanding connections to the Catholic Church. The seven royal women allowed to wear white in the pope’s presence at select events have upheld this custom over the years.
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
Queen Sofia of Spain
On February 10, 1997, Queen Sofia was seen dressed entirely in white, complete with a veil, during her visit to Pope Paul VI alongside King Juan Carlos and fellow Spanish royals.
Pope Paul VI with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at the Vatican, on February 10, 1977 | Source: Getty Images
Queen Letizia of Spain
During her visit with Pope Francis on June 30, 2014, at his private library in the Apostolic Palace, Queen Letizia wore white while accompanied by King Felipe VI. It was her first audience with the former leader of the Catholic Church since Felipe ascended the throne.
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
Queen Paola of Belgium
Dressed in white with a coordinating veil, Queen Paola adhered to tradition when she visited Pope John Paul II in his private library at the Apostolic Palace on May 15, 1998, in Vatican City.
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
Queen Mathilde of Belgium
During a private audience with Pope Francis on March 9, 2015, Queen Mathilde was dressed entirely in white as she warmly accepted a rosary at the Vatican.
Pope Francis gives a rosary to Queen Mathilde of Belgium on March 9, 2015, at the Vatican | Source: Getty Images
Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg
Wearing a white outfit and veil, Grand Duchess María Teresa met Pope Benedict XVI at his private library in the Vatican, where she was presented with a rosary during their audience on May 8, 2006.
Pope Benedict XVI meets the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg at the Vatican, May 8, 2006, in Vatican City | Source: Getty Images
Princess Marina of Naples
On May 18, 2003, as Pope John Paul II arrived in St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile for a special mass, he greeted bishops, along with Emanuele Filiberto, his mother Princess Marina Doria, and his father Prince Victor Emmanuel, in Vatican City.
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
Princess Charlene of Monaco
Pope Benedict XVI meets Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco on January 12, 2013, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images
The most recent royal granted the privilege of wearing white, Princess Charlene of Monaco, chose the ensemble for a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI alongside Prince Albert II of Monaco on January 12, 2013, at his library in Vatican City.
