Why did Queen Letizia of Spain wear a white dress at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration while others wore black? Here's the reason

Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass was held on May 18, 2025 in the heart of Vatican City, drawing together believers, world leaders, and members of the royal family.

There were a lot of people there, and according to tradition, everyone wears black when they are around a pope. Specifically, when most women meet the pope, strict protocol requires them to wear black and a veil.

However, at Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass, Spain's Queen Letizia stood out in snow-white. She is one of only seven women worldwide who have been allowed to wear white around the head of the Catholic Church.

What is the “privilège du blanc”?

Spain's Queen Letizia's appearance was not a fashion statement but rather a centuries-long privilege reserved for only a few Catholic royal women worldwide.

The "privilège du blanc" allows a select group of Catholic queens and princesses, including Spain's Queen Letizia, to wear white in the presence of the Pope, symbolising their dynasties' historical ties to the Church.

Beyond simply white gowns, Le Privilège du Blanc is about history and impact. It continues to serve as a vital reminder of Christendom's past, present, and future, as per a report by The NY Post.

Who are the seven royals allowed to wear white?

The seven women who are exempt from this rule are Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Paola and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Marina of Naples, besides Queen Letizia of Spain, as per a report by Town & Country. They are the only ones who possess privilège du blanc.

At Pope Leo XIV's inauguration, Letizia, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Queen Mathilde of Belgium followed tradition, while other female attendees dressed in black.

WWD reports that Spain's Queen Letizia wore a stunning white long-sleeved tea-length dress from Redondo Brand with an asymmetrical draped neckline for the ceremony besides nude Magrit heels, Ansorena1845 pearl drop earrings, a small white square purse, and a lace veil over her head.

Why must everyone else dress in black before a pope?

On X, Dr. Taylor Marshall explained that wearing black clothing symbolises "humility and the desire to remain unnoticed". It is customary for everyone to wear black when the Pope is present.

For women, this means wearing long sleeves that cover the shoulders and black clothing that covers the knees.

Marshall wrote in his tweet that it serves as a reminder that the Catholic Church has high expectations for the clothing of the laity and believes that Catholic monarchs are essential to Christendom, as quoted in a report by The NY Post.

FAQs

Why did Queen Letizia wear white whereas others wore black?
She has the "privilège du blanc," a Vatican concession allowing certain Catholic royals to appear in white before the pope.

How many women today have this privilege?
There are only seven queens: the queens of Spain and Belgium, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Paola, Queen Sofia, and Princess Marina of Naples.