Latest news with #LePrivilègeduBlanc
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Why did Queen Letizia of Spain wear a white dress at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration while others wore black? Here's the reason
Pope Leo XIV 's inauguration mass was held on May 18, 2025 in the heart of Vatican City, drawing together believers, world leaders, and members of the royal family. There were a lot of people there, and according to tradition, everyone wears black when they are around a pope. Specifically, when most women meet the pope, strict protocol requires them to wear black and a veil. However, at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass, Spain's Queen Letizia stood out in snow-white. She is one of only seven women worldwide who have been allowed to wear white around the head of the Catholic Church. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Jacket Every Hiker Needs [Buy Now] Trek Kit India Shop Now Undo What is the 'privilège du blanc'? Spain's Queen Letizia's appearance was not a fashion statement but rather a centuries-long privilege reserved for only a few Catholic royal women worldwide. The " privilège du blanc " allows a select group of Catholic queens and princesses, including Spain's Queen Letizia, to wear white in the presence of the Pope, symbolising their dynasties' historical ties to the Church. Live Events Beyond simply white gowns, Le Privilège du Blanc is about history and impact. It continues to serve as a vital reminder of Christendom's past, present, and future, as per a report by The NY Post. Who are the seven royals allowed to wear white? The seven women who are exempt from this rule are Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Marina of Naples, besides Queen Letizia of Spain, as per a report by Town & Country. They are the only ones who possess privilège du blanc. At Pope Leo XIV's inauguration, Letizia, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium followed tradition, while other female attendees dressed in black. WWD reports that Spain's Queen Letizia wore a stunning white long-sleeved tea-length dress from Redondo Brand with an asymmetrical draped neckline for the ceremony besides nude Magrit heels, Ansorena1845 pearl drop earrings, a small white square purse, and a lace veil over her head. Why must everyone else dress in black before a pope? On X, Dr. Taylor Marshall explained that wearing black clothing symbolises "humility and the desire to remain unnoticed". It is customary for everyone to wear black when the Pope is present. For women, this means wearing long sleeves that cover the shoulders and black clothing that covers the knees. Marshall wrote in his tweet that it serves as a reminder that the Catholic Church has high expectations for the clothing of the laity and believes that Catholic monarchs are essential to Christendom, as quoted in a report by The NY Post. FAQs Why did Queen Letizia wear white whereas others wore black? She has the "privilège du blanc," a Vatican concession allowing certain Catholic royals to appear in white before the pope. How many women today have this privilege? There are only seven queens: the queens of Spain and Belgium, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola, Queen Sofia, and Princess Marina of Naples.
New York Post
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Only a handful of women allowed to wear white to Pope Leo XIV's inauguration— here's why everyone else must dress in black
Pope Leo XIV's inauguration ceremony took place in Vatican City earlier today. Many were in attendance, and as tradition goes — when a person is in the presence of a pope, they dress in black, except for Queen Letizia of Spain, who is one of seven women in the world who were granted permission to wear white around the head of the Catholic Church. The privilège du blanc, which translates to privilege of white, is a custom in the Catholic Church that appoints a select group of royal Catholic women to wear white instead of the customary black. Advertisement Black garments signify 'humility and the desire to remain unnoticed,' Dr. Taylor Marshall explained on X (formerly Twitter). When in the Pope's presence, typically everyone must wear black. Advertisement Women must specifically wear black attire that covers their knees and long sleeves that cover their shoulders. They must also cover their chest to prevent any cleavage from potentially showing. In addition to Queen Letizia of Spain — the six other women who are the exception to this rule are Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Princess Marina of Naples. They are the only ones to have privilège du blanc, according to Town & Country. 'It's a reminder that the Catholic Church holds high standards for the attire of the laity and recognizes Catholic monarchs as integral to Christendom,' Marshall said in his tweet. Advertisement These women are a part of a small group who are the only ones allowed to wear white in the pope's presence. AFP via Getty Images 'Le Privilège du Blanc isn't just about white dresses; it's about history, influence, and remains an essential reminder of the history (and future) of Christendom.' Queen Letizia of Spain was seen wearing white during a private visit with Pope Francis back in June 2014 — and of course, Pope Leo XIV's inauguration wasn't any different. At the ceremony, she donned a stunning white long-sleeved tea-length dress with an asymmetrical draped neckline from Redondo Brand, nude Magrit heels, Ansorena1845 pearl drop earrings, a small white square purse, complete with a lace veil over her head, according to WWD. Advertisement Queen Letizia of Spain looked elegant at the Sunday ceremony. Getty Images She was joined by Princess Charlene of Monaco and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who were also wearing white at Sunday's ceremony. Tens of thousands of people were in attendance at Vatican City, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana and other members of Congress.
