The “privilege of the white” is a rare Vatican honor allowing only seven Catholic queens and princesses to wear white when meeting the Pope. Known as le privilège du blanc in French, it is reserved for consorts or reigning queens from historically Catholic monarchies and is observed during formal Vatican occasions like private audiences, canonizations, and special masses.
Current holders include Queen Sofia and Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Marina of Naples, and Princess Charlene of Monaco. While the privilege is mostly hereditary, it can be revoked by the Pope.
Princess Charlene, who converted to Catholicism before marrying Prince Albert, has used it during papal visits, such as in 2013 with Pope Benedict XVI and in 2026 with Pope Leo XIV. Her daughter, Princess Gabriella, wore white as well, though not formally entitled. Royals sometimes choose black instead, as Charlene did during Pope Francis’ 2013 inauguration mass.
The tradition is flexible: Queen Letizia and her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia, have occasionally bent dress codes, and exceptions or controversies have occurred—such as Cherie Blair wearing white in 2003 despite not holding the privilege. Non-royal Catholic leaders or spouses, like Michelle Obama or Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, are excluded.
While the privilege remains a rare and symbolic Vatican tradition, its application varies, with some adhering strictly and others opting for personal or diplomatic interpretations.\