The Vatican’s Dress Code for Meeting the Pope
The Vatican has specific dress guidelines for those meeting the pope, especially on significant occasions. However, wearing white is a privilege reserved for a select few, symbolizing three key virtues.
White Dresses: A Royal Privilege
Only seven women worldwide are allowed to wear white when meeting the pope. Yet, this rule does not apply during papal funerals. Here’s a closer look at this tradition.
Camilla’s Changing Wardrobe
When Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall, met Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, she adhered to the traditional dress code, wearing a black dress with a lace mantilla. However, when she met Pope Francis in 2017, she opted for a pale gold dress and coat by Anna Valentine. She did not wear a veil, seemingly defying the Vatican’s usual dress code, but Pope Francis welcomed this change, noting that “things have become more relaxed.”
Princess Charlene of Monaco during a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on January 18, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
A Royal Transition
During her royal tour of Italy in April 2025, Queen Camilla wore black when meeting Pope Francis. Since her husband, King Charles III, heads the Anglican Church, she follows the rule of wearing black for papal audiences.
Queen Elizabeth’s Signature Style
Queen Elizabeth also adhered to the Vatican dress code during her meetings with the pope, wearing black. However, after Pope Francis’s election, she occasionally wore colorful outfits, such as a lilac suit with a matching hat during her 2014 visit.
The Privilege of White
In 2006, Cherie Blair caused a stir when she wore white to meet Pope Benedict XVI. This led to headlines questioning her motives. Traditionally, white was reserved for certain Catholic queens and princesses, such as Princess Charlene of Monaco, who wore white when meeting Pope Francis in 2016. She was one of only seven women globally granted the “privilège du blanc.”
The Women Who Wear White
Besides Princess Charlene, the other royals with the right to wear white include Queen Letizia and Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Marina of Naples. This tradition is honored at private audiences, canonizations, and special masses.
Pope Francis meets King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at the Paul VI Hall on April 28, 2014, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images
White Not Allowed at Funerals
During Pope Francis’s funeral in April 2025, royals like Queen Letizia wore black, in line with the dress protocol. Women at the funeral wore modest black dresses with long sleeves, avoiding flashy jewelry. The black veil symbolizes humility and respect.
Dress Code for Royal Funerals
The Vatican’s funeral protocol requires women to wear black or dark colors. Jewelry should be minimal, and footwear should be simple. White veils are forbidden at papal funerals, marking a sharp distinction from the “privilège du blanc.”
Maintaining Tradition
The tradition of wearing white to meet the pope reflects the strong ties between royal houses and the Catholic Church. The seven women allowed this privilege uphold the tradition, continuing to honor its symbolic meaning.
