19-05-2025
Exclusive group of women don white at Pope's inauguration
Just four women wore white at the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV while the colour code was black for the majority of female attendees.
The inauguration of the American pope took place over the weekend with Queen Mathilde of Belgium; Queen Letizia of Spain; Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Charlene, Princess of Monaco all donning white for the occasion.
The women have been granted an exception to the traditional requirement that women wear black garments as a result of le privilège du blanc (the privilege of the white). King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square. Pic:Le privilège du blanc allows a Catholic queen or princess to wear white in the company of the Pope, though all non-Catholic royal women must wear black.
Just seven women have the privilege at the moment. Along with the four women who wore white over the weekend, Queen Sofía of Spain; Queen Paola of Belgium and Princess Marina of Savoy are all eligible for the privilege.
Dr Taylor Marshall explained via X that black garments signifies 'humility and the desire to remain unnoticed.' Queen Mathilde of Belgium and King Philippe of Belgium arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square on May 18, 2025. Pic:The traditional protocol states that men dress simply while women wear long, black dresses that cover the knee and have high collars as well as long sleeves.
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands has not been granted the privilege despite being a Catholic woman. This is because her husband, King Wilem-Alexander, is a Protestant.
The exclusive group don't always have to wear white and similarly the black dress code isn't very strict anymore with Queen Elizabeth previously wearing a bright lilac suit when meeting Pope Francis.
The Vatican is more lenient with the black dress code nowadays, viewing it more of as guideline than a requirement. That said, royal women still traditionally follow the rules, Royal Central confirmed.
