Why Queen Letizia Wore White to Meet Pope Leo XIV, Breaking with Tradition

Queen Letizia wore white to meet Pope Leo XIV under the Catholic tradition of Le privilège du blanc.

Queen Letizia's white outfit at the Vatican followed a centuries-old Catholic privilege.

 

Vatican City, Vatican — Queen Letizia of Spain made headlines this week after appearing in an all-white ensemble during an audience with Pope Leo XIV, diverging from the traditional black attire usually worn by women at papal meetings. While many praised her for a bold fashion statement, few realized her outfit was rooted in centuries-old religious tradition.

 

The choice of white was not a matter of style but a reflection of a papal protocol known as Le privilège du blanc — or “the privilege of the white.” This custom grants select Catholic queens and princesses the rare permission to wear white in the presence of the pope, a color otherwise reserved for the pontiff himself.

 

This privilege is extended only to a handful of Catholic royal women, primarily from historically devout monarchies like Spain, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Queen Letizia, as the consort of King Felipe VI of Spain, is among those permitted to exercise this right.

 

The all-white outfit included a long dress, a matching veil, and gloves, in accordance with the ceremonial guidelines of the Vatican. Her presence at the apostolic palace marked a diplomatic and spiritual event, emphasizing the deep ties between the Spanish monarchy and the Holy See.

 

Observers unfamiliar with this Vatican protocol interpreted the attire as a bold fashion move or a modern act of disruption. However, Vatican insiders quickly clarified that Queen Letizia’s choice was entirely in keeping with the traditions of the Catholic Church.

 

The audience with Pope Leo XIV focused on strengthening diplomatic and cultural relations between Spain and the Vatican, underscoring the symbolic importance of such attire during state and religious visits.

 

Queen Letizia’s refined elegance and adherence to protocol reflect a strong understanding of historical customs, which continue to play a crucial role in international diplomacy.