Only 7 Women Allowed to Wear White Near the Pope – What Makes Them Special?

 

The ability to wear white while meeting the Pope, also known as "the privilege of the white," is extended to only seven women in the world.

The privilege of wearing white is a rare Vatican honor extended to select Catholic queens and princesses. This dress code carries major significance, although it is a rule that has also been broken by some who have appeared before the Pope.

The Rare Vatican Rule That Sets These Women Apart

The tradition, known in French as "le privilège du blanc" or in Italian as "il privilegio del bianco," applies only to designated Catholic royal women. It sets them apart in moments of formal audience with the pontiff.

It is typically observed during significant Vatican occasions such as private audiences, canonizations, beatifications, and special masses, where strict dress codes are observed.

At present, only seven women are recognized as holding this privilege. These include Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Marina of Naples, and Princess Charlene of Monaco.

To qualify, the women are usually consorts or reigning queens of monarchies historically recognized as "Most Catholic Majesty" (Rex Catholicissimus), a title granted by the Pope. In most cases, the honor is hereditary unless the pontiff revokes it.

Princess Charlene Puts the Tradition on Display

Charlene, who converted to Catholicism before marrying Prince Albert in 2011, has previously exercised the privilege. She wore white during a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in January 2013.

More recently, during Pope Leo's visit to Monaco, a notable scene unfolded at the Princely Palace. The pontiff signed a book in front of a portrait of Princess Grace wearing a white gown. Prince Albert and Charlene stood nearby, with Charlene also dressed in white and wearing a matching veil.

The Palace of Monaco later highlighted the moment on Instagram in a video. The caption read, "The Privilege of the White," translated into English.

It continued, "During the Holy Father's visit to Monaco, H.S.H. Princess Charlene appeared in white. This choice adheres to a specific Vatican protocol and represents a rare distinction for the Principality—a reflection of the special bond between Monaco and the Holy See."

Princess Charlene was not the only royal child in white during the visit, as Princess Gabriella also appeared in a white outfit. However, as she is only 11, she is not formally entitled to the privilege, and her clothing was likely a relaxed interpretation of the tradition.

Despite holding this honor, royal women do not always choose to use it. During the inauguration mass for Pope Francis in March 2013, Charlene opted for black instead of white.

When Royals Bend the Strict Dress Code

Dress expectations at the Vatican are not always rigid. Queen Letizia of Spain, known for her modern style, has previously stepped away from traditional elements such as the white mantilla during a meeting with Pope Francis in June 2014.

Her decision followed a similar choice made by her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia, who had also abandoned the mantilla during a papal audience earlier that year.

In general protocol, women meeting the Pope are expected to wear black attire accompanied by a mantilla, a lace veil worn over the head. This was followed by First Lady Michelle Obama during her 2009 visit to Pope Benedict XVI alongside then-President Barack Obama.

Princess Grace of Monaco, a devout Catholic throughout her life, also adhered to tradition during her papal audiences, wearing a black lace dress and mantilla.

Royal watchers note that Monaco's unique status as a principality rather than a monarchy plays a role in its specific protocol traditions.

Who Is Excluded from This Elite Privilege

The privilege is not extended universally. Non-royal Catholic female heads of state, such as former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, or Catholic spouses of non-royal leaders like former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, are not included.

It also does not apply to Catholic consorts of non-Catholic monarchs, such as Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. Even within Catholic royalty, exceptions exist, with figures such as Princess Marie of Liechtenstein and Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho reportedly not granted the honor.

Controversy When the Rules Are Broken

This tradition has occasionally sparked controversy when interpreted more loosely. In 2003, Cherie Blair, wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and a practicing Catholic, wore white during a meeting with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican despite not holding the privilege.

Her choice drew criticism and surprise in some circles, including from Catholic MP Ann Widdecombe, who said, "She is a Catholic. She knows what the tradition is when meeting the Pope. She obviously thinks she is the first lady. My message to her is 'You are not a Catholic Queen, my dear, and you never will be.'"

In another notable departure, Queen Elizabeth II chose a lavender-toned outfit during a 2014 meeting with Pope Francis, instead of the traditional black attire and mantilla she had previously worn on papal visits. The softer color was seen as a symbolic shift and reflected the informal approach she took during that visit.

Ultimately, while the privilege of wearing white remains a rare and respected Vatican tradition, its application is not always uniform.

Some adhere closely to its long-standing rules, while others opt for personal or diplomatic variations — leaving the practice both symbolic and, at times, open to interpretation.