Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration ceremony took place in Vatican City earlier today.
Many attended the event, and as tradition dictates, when in the presence of a pope, individuals typically wear black. However, Queen Letizia of Spain is one of only seven women globally permitted to wear white around the leader of the Catholic Church.
The privilège du blanc, meaning privilege of white, is a Catholic Church tradition that allows a select group of royal Catholic women to wear white instead of the traditional black attire.
Black garments signify “humility and the desire to remain unnoticed,” Dr. Taylor Marshall explained on X (formerly Twitter).
When in the Pope’s presence, typically everyone must wear black.
Women must specifically wear black attire that covers their knees and long sleeves that cover their shoulders. They must also cover their chest to prevent any cleavage from potentially showing.
In addition to Queen Letizia of Spain â the six other women who are the exception to this rule are Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen SofÃa of Spain, Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg and Princess Marina of Naples.
They are the only ones to have privilège du blanc, according to Town & Country.
“Itâs a reminder that the Catholic Church holds high standards for the attire of the laity and recognizes Catholic monarchs as integral to Christendom,” Marshall said in his tweet.
“Le Privilège du Blanc isnât just about white dresses; itâs about history, influence, and remains an essential reminder of the history (and future) of Christendom.”
Queen Letizia of Spain was seen wearing white during a private visit with Pope Francis back in June 2014 â and of course, Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration wasn’t any different.
At the ceremony, she donned a stunning white long-sleeved tea-length dress with an asymmetrical draped neckline from Redondo Brand, nude Magrit heels, Ansorena1845 pearl drop earrings, a small white square purse, complete with a lace veil over her head, according to WWD.
She was joined by Princess Charlene of Monaco and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who were also wearing white at Sunday’s ceremony.
Tens of thousands of people were in attendance at Vatican City, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana and other members of Congress.
