Vatican Dress Code: Who Can Wear White When Meeting the Pope
Vatican protocol outlines how to dress when meeting the pope. While most women wear black with a veil, only seven royal women are granted the “privilège du blanc”, allowing them to wear white — a symbol of purity, innocence, and peace. This rare honor is reserved for Catholic queens and princesses and doesn’t apply to papal funerals.
Royal Exceptions & Changing Traditions
Queen Camilla, as Duchess of Cornwall, followed traditional dress in 2009. But by 2017, she wore a pale gold outfit without a veil, reflecting relaxed Vatican standards. Despite being married to the head of the Anglican Church, she adheres to wearing black. Queen Elizabeth also wore black in past papal meetings, though she later opted for colorful attire, signaling evolving norms.
Only seven women hold the white-wearing privilege:
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Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia of Spain
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Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium
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Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg
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Princess Marina of Naples
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Princess Charlene of Monaco
They may wear white during papal audiences, canonizations, and special Masses — but not funerals.
Papal Funeral Dress Code
For Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, 2025, all royals wore traditional black with veils, including Princess Charlene and Queens Letizia, Mathilde, and Rania. Women must wear modest black attire, closed shoes, and minimal jewelry. White or “privilege of white” is strictly prohibited at funerals.
Historic Appearances in White
Each royal has honored the tradition in private Vatican meetings. Queen Letizia wore white for her first audience with Pope Francis in 2014. Similarly, Princess Charlene, Grand Duchess María Teresa, and others have worn white with veils in formal visits.
A New Chapter: Pope Leo XIV
Following Pope Francis’ passing, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025. Introduced with the announcement “Habemus Papam,” he became the 267th Bishop of Rome, ushering in a new era for the Catholic Church.
