Why Queen Camilla Wore Black to Meet the Pope, but Princess Charlene Has……

When Queen Camilla met Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 9, 2025, she adhered to traditional protocol by wearing a black dress and veil. This choice aligns with the longstanding custom that women, especially those without special dispensation, should dress in black when meeting the Pope.

In contrast, Princess Charlene of Monaco, who possesses the “privilège du blanc,” has the rare privilege to wear white attire during papal audiences. This exception is granted to a select group of Catholic queens and princesses, including Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Queen Letizia of Spain. The privilege is typically reserved for significant events such as private audiences, canonizations, and special masses.

Historically, the privilège du blanc was extended to Princess Charlene by Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. Since then, she has occasionally chosen to exercise this privilege. For instance, during a 2016 meeting with Pope Francis, she donned a white ensemble. However, during a 2022 audience, she opted for a black dress, leading to public speculation about her choice.

These variations in attire among female royals during papal meetings highlight personal preferences and adherence to Vatican traditions. While some choose to exercise their privileges, others may prefer to follow conventional protocols. Ultimately, these decisions reflect a blend of tradition, personal choice, and respect for the religious significance of such audience’s