Why Only 7 Women Are "Allowed" to Wear White When Meeting the Pope

In a world where diplomatic dress codes still hold ceremonial weight, few are as specific (or as exclusive) as the one observed during meetings with the Pope. 

While black remains the traditional choice for women, a very select group is permitted to arrive in pristine white. It's a visual symbol of religious privilege, historical legacy, and regal hierarchy. So who exactly gets to wear white in the Pope’s presence—and why?

Known in French as le privilège du blanc (or "the privilege of the white"), this tradition allows certain Catholic queens and princesses to wear white during official audiences with the Pope. The privilege isn’t just about fashion—it’s a sign of sovereign status within the Catholic faith.

Historically, the Vatican’s protocol required all women—regardless of status—to wear a long black dress with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a black mantilla or lace veil when meeting the Pope. This dress code, deeply rooted in tradition, was a sign of reverence and humility. But for a few royal women, white is allowed as a mark of their unique standing.

According to Aleteia, the Holy See does not enforce a mandatory dress code, particularly for meetings outside the Vatican. Still, for state visits and official audiences, traditional protocols are recommended. And among them, the privilege of wearing white is reserved for only seven women in the world today.

The exclusive list of those granted the privilège du blanc includes Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Princess Marina of Naples of the House of Savoy.

According to Telegraph UK, when Princess Charlene of Monaco met Pope Francis, she wore a white crepe jacket, white gloves, and a white mantilla. The only pop of color? A slick of red lipstick. When Queen Mathilde visited in 2024, she too wore white, embracing the privilege that comes with her Catholic royal status.

Contrast this with Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom, who met Pope Francis in April 2025 wearing a black dress, despite her high royal status. As People reports, Camilla does not qualify for the privilege because the British monarchy is Anglican. Even Queen Elizabeth, despite her long reign and global stature, always wore black or subdued colors in earlier papal meetings—though she occasionally opted for lilac or other soft hues in more recent times.

Still, the dress code has softened under Pope Francis. A Vatican spokesperson told Telegraph UK that “things have become more relaxed over the last few years; there are no hard and fast rules.” Even some royals with the privilege have chosen to wear black as a sign of humility.

In a tradition-bound setting like the Vatican, white may seem like a small detail. But for the chosen seven, it’s more than a color—it’s a centuries-old emblem of faith and royalty, quietly unfolding on one of the world’s most symbolic stages.