Only these seven women can wear white before the pope

The rare papal privilege

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

Most women wear black when meeting the Pope, in accordance with Vatican protocol. However, a select few are granted the privilège du blanc, or "privilege of the white." 

Origins in Catholic tradition

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

The privilège du blanc traces its roots to centuries-old customs surrounding court etiquette and papal protocol. It reflects both religious devotion and political alliances between the Vatican and Catholic monarchies.

Who qualifies?

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

Not all queens or princesses qualify for this privilege. Only women from Catholic royal families currently recognized by the Vatican may wear white. Pictured is Queen Silvia of Sweden. 

Queen Letizia of Spain

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

As Queen of Spain, Letizia is one of the most high-profile women entitled to wear white before the Pope. Spain is historically one of the strongest Catholic monarchies. 

Queen Mathilde of Belgium

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

Queen Mathilde has worn white in papal meetings since her husband, King Philippe, became Belgium's monarch in 2013. Belgium, like Spain, maintains strong Catholic roots. 

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

Maria Teresa of Luxembourg is another royal who may wear white in the Pope's presence.

Princess Charlene of Monaco

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

Though Monaco is a small principality, it holds symbolic weight in the Catholic world. Princess Charlene was granted the privilège du blanc by Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. 

Queen Paola of Belgium

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

Queen Paola, wife of abdicated King Albert II, retains the privilège du blanc, honoring Belgium's Catholic roots and maintaining tradition in papal audiences.

Princess Marina of Savoy

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

Less well-known than others on the list, Princess Marina is the consort of the head of the Italian royal House of Savoy.

Papal mass in 2025

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

During the inaugural mass for Pope Leo XIV in May 2025, Queen Letizia, Queen Mathilde, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, and Princess Charlene wore white. 

Exceptions to the rule

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

It's important to note that not all Catholic royal women are granted the privilege. For example, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands is Catholic but can't wear white because her husband, King Willem-Alexander, is Protestant. This illustrates that both faith and monarchical status are necessary for eligibility.

Where faith meets royalty

The rare papal privilege, Origins in Catholic tradition, Who qualifies?, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola of Belgium, Princess Marina of Savoy, Papal mass in 2025, Exceptions to the rule, Where faith meets royalty

The privilege underscores the enduring alliance between throne and altar, and its selective nature highlights the significance of faith, heritage, and diplomacy in the Catholic world.

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