Did Princess Charlene Broke Vatican Protocol When Meeting the Pope?
Royal traditions often follow detailed protocols, especially during meetings with the Pope. One of the most intriguing customs involves clothing. While most women must wear black when meeting the pontiff, a small group of Catholic royals is granted a rare exception. Among them is Princess Charlene of Monaco, who is permitted to appear in white during official audiences with the Pope.
This special allowance, known as the “privilege of white,” sets apart only a handful of royal women around the world. The tradition carries symbolic meaning and reflects centuries of Vatican etiquette.
Members of Monaco’s royal family recently welcomed Pope Leo during an official visit to the principality. The pontiff traveled by helicopter from Vatican City — the world’s smallest sovereign state — to Monaco, which holds the title of the second smallest.
The visit took place on March 28, when Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene, and their 11-year-old twins welcomed the pope at the prince’s palace. The royal children, Prince Jacques of Monaco and Princess Gabriella of Monaco, joined their parents for the meeting.
Following the private audience, the family attended a public mass held at Monaco Stadium.
Princess Charlene, now 48, chose a white outfit for the occasion. Her daughter, Princess Gabriella, also wore white, visually mirroring her mother’s appearance during the meeting with the pope.
Understanding the “Privilege of White”
Instagram | eliesaabworld | Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, and their twins hosted Pope Leo during his historic visit from the Vatican.
The right to wear white in front of the Pope is known in French as “privilège du blanc.” This tradition allows only certain Catholic queens and princesses to dress in white instead of the standard black attire required during papal audiences.
The rule exists because white symbolizes both purity and recognition of specific Catholic monarchies. Women who receive the privilege must come from royal houses historically connected with the Catholic Church.
Without this permission, female visitors must follow a strict dress code that includes a formal black dress with long sleeves and modest styling, along with a lace or silk veil covering the head and shoulders.
The darker clothing represents humility and respect in the presence of the Pope.
Princess Charlene’s First Use of the Tradition
Princess Charlene made history for Monaco when she first exercised the privilege in 2013. That year, she and Prince Albert met Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.
Before that moment, no royal from Monaco had publicly used the privilege of white during a papal meeting.
Since then, Princess Charlene has worn white at several Vatican-related events. She wore the color during a formal state visit in 2016, again at the inaugural mass of Pope Leo in May 2025, and most recently during the pope’s visit to Monaco in March 2026.
Her repeated use of the tradition highlights Monaco’s standing as a Catholic principality.
Why Princess Gabriella Also Wore White
Princess Gabriella’s white outfit during the meeting sparked curiosity because she does not officially have the privilege to wear white.
Royal protocol likely allowed flexibility due to her age. Children are often given relaxed dress guidelines for formal religious events. As a result, the young princess appeared in white alongside her mother during the palace portrait with the Pope.
Meanwhile, her twin brother Prince Jacques followed a more traditional approach, wearing a black three-piece suit. Prince Albert opted for a navy blue suit for the meeting.
During the mass at Monaco Stadium, Princess Charlene was seen participating in Catholic rituals, including receiving communion and making the sign of the cross.
Other Royal Women Granted the Privilege
Instagram | eliesaabworld | Princess Charlene’s use of the “privilège du blanc” highlights her rare status among the world’s royal women.
Princess Charlene is not alone in holding this Vatican distinction. Several Catholic queens and grand duchesses also received the privilege.
Among them are Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg.
Queen Letizia recently demonstrated the privilege during a visit to the Vatican with King Felipe VI of Spain. During that appearance, she wore white but skipped the traditional mantilla veil, though she had worn one earlier during Pope Leo’s inaugural mass.
For women without the privilege, black clothing remains the expected choice. Notable examples include Usha Vance, who followed the custom during Pope Leo’s inaugural mass, and Melania Trump, who wore black when visiting the Vatican in 2017 alongside Donald Trump.
Criticism Surrounding Pope Leo’s Visit
Pope Leo’s trip to Monaco drew some criticism. Commentators questioned why the principality became his first European destination of the year. Monaco often attracts attention for its casinos, luxury tourism, and wealthy residents.
During the Mass in Monaco, the Pope addressed those concerns directly in his homily.
“The Church in Monaco is called to bear witness to living in peace and with God’s blessing,” he said.
He also encouraged the faithful to use their prosperity in meaningful ways as Easter approached.
“Therefore, dear friends, bring happiness to others through your faith, by manifesting authentic joy, which is not won through a wager, but shared through charity.”
The privilege of white remains one of the Vatican’s most recognizable ceremonial traditions. It blends religious symbolism with royal protocol, highlighting the historic relationship between the Catholic Church and certain European monarchies.
Princess Charlene’s appearances in white serve as a visible reminder of that tradition. Each papal meeting reinforces Monaco’s place within Catholic royal customs while preserving a rare ceremonial privilege granted to only a select group of women worldwide.