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Queen Camilla made a statement in a black dress and mantilla to meet with Pope Leo alongside King CharlesWhile Camilla dressed in black, other royal women are permitted to wear white around the popeThe tradition known as “il privilegio del bianco,” or “the privilege of the white,” is extended to designated Catholic queens and princesses

Queen Camilla made a fashion statement in a black dress and veil for her and King Charles‘ historic meeting with Pope Leo, but other queens are known for wearing white to greet the pontiff.

Camilla, 78, followed tradition with her black ensemble, wearing a silk dress by Fiona Clare and a mantilla by Philip Treacy. The look emulated some of Queen Elizabeth’s outfits for her audiences with the leader of the Catholic Church.

However, other royal women wear white during their meetings with the pope.

Only a handful of royal women are given special permission to wear white around the pope in a tradition known as “il privilegio del bianco,” or “the privilege of the white.” The honor is exclusively extended to designated Catholic queens and princesses.

Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Pope Francis in September 2024.

Didier Lebrun / Photonews via Getty 

The group currently includes Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Letizia of Spain, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Marina of Naples, the former Queen Sofia of Spain and the former Queen Paola of Belgium.

There may also be a new addition to the small club: due to the abdication of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg earlier this month, his eldest son, Grand Duke Guillaume, took over the royal role — meaning the privilege of the white likely now extends to his wife, the new Grand Duchess Stéphanie.

At Pope Leo’s inauguration mass in May, four royal women attended in white ensembles. Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg popped in the crowd as they honored their special permission to wear white.

Princess Charlene (left) and Queen Letizia attend Pope Leo’s inauguration mass on May 18, 2025.

Maria Laura Antonelli via Vatican Pool/Getty; Shutterstock

While royal women with permission to wear white around the pope usually do, it is not a requirement. Princess Charlene has worn both white and black for past papal audiences, and she even opted for a dark manicure to match her black outfit when she visited with Pope Francis in July 2022. 

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Prince Albert and Princess Charlene meet Pope Francis in July 2022.

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In 1534, King Henry VIII broke away from the authority of the pope during the English Reformation and declared himself the supreme head of the Church of England. King Charles became head of the Church of England upon his accession in September 2022, but he is known for his interest in interfaith relations.

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to the Vatican on Thursday, Oct. 23, marked a historic moment when the royals and Pope Leo attended a prayer service at the Sistine Chapel — marking the first time a British monarch and pope had prayed together in public for around 500 years.

Their visit comes during the 2025 Jubilee Year and is said by Buckingham Palace to be a “significant moment” in relations with the Catholic Church.

Queen Camilla, Pope Leo and King Charles at the Vatican on Oct. 23, 2025.

Samir Hussein/WireImage

King Charles and Queen Camilla had planned to meet with Pope Francis during their visit to Italy in April. However, due to Francis’ poor health, they only briefly met with the pope on April 9 before he died on April 21.

Pope Leo, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, was then elected in a conclave of cardinals.