King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican today. The royals were pictured arriving at San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace for an audience with the Pope, where they are expected to discuss humanitarian issues, social concerns, and the role of faith in society, according to Brussels Morning. 

King Philippe And Queen Mathilde of Belgium arrive at San Damaso courtyard of the Apostolic Palace for an audience with Pope Leo XIV on October 27, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)© Getty ImagesKing Philippe And Queen Mathilde of Belgium met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

Mathilde is allowed to wear white because she has “le privilège du blanc” (the privilege of the white), a custom of the Catholic Church that permits certain designated female royals – who are all queens or princesses of Catholic countries – to wear white clothing during an audience with the Pope. Only six other royal women are granted this privilege: Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco, Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, as well as two former queens, Queen Paolo of Belgium and Queen Sofia of Spain.