Princess Charlene led the European royals in style at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass.
Tobias Kormind, the managing director and co-founder of 77 Diamonds, Europe's largest diamond jeweller, spoke exclusively to GB News about the European Royal Family outfits and what they symbolised.
He said: "Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Letizia of Spain, and Princess Charlene of Monaco attended Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Mass dressed head to toe in white.
“These three royal women are among only seven permitted to wear white in the presence of the Pope – a privilege known as the privilège du blanc.”
Princess Charlene’s fashion choice reflected Catholic conversion
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The privilège du blanc is an ancient tradition reserved for a select few Catholic royal women.
Most female attendees at papal events are required to wear black and a veil, but certain Queens and Princesses are permitted to wear white due to their dynastic and religious status.
Princess Charlene, a former Olympic swimmer who converted to Catholicism upon marrying Prince Albert II of Monaco, stood out in a structured white coat dress and delicate veil.
Her refined look set the tone for the other royal women present.
Princess Charlene standing beside her husband, Prince Albert
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Queen Letizia of Spain opted for a crisp white ensemble with lace detailing, in keeping with both the tradition and her own sleek, modern aesthetic.
Known for championing Spanish designers, Letizia’s choice to wear a dress from Redondo Brand subtly paid homage to her heritage while respecting the solemnity of the occasion.
Queen Mathilde of Belgium, often seen in soft pastels and classic silhouettes, chose a more demure white midi dress with minimal embellishment.
Her appearance alongside Letizia and Charlene highlighted the rare and symbolic nature of the moment.
Princess Charlene can wear white in front of the Pope due to being Catholic
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Princess Charlene wore red lipstick with her white outfit.
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The trio’s coordinated appearance was more than a fashion statement. Their use of white underscored their unique positions within the Catholic world and demonstrated how royalty continues to engage with centuries-old protocol while embracing contemporary style.
Other royals and dignitaries at the ceremony wore traditional black, in line with Vatican etiquette.
The visual contrast between the three white-clad royal women and the darker silhouettes around them was striking, drawing attention not just to their garments, but to the privilege and meaning behind them.
Their presence at the Mass, and the symbolism woven through their clothing, offered a subtle reminder of monarchy's enduring role on the global religious and diplomatic stage.
