Breaking news Only these 7 women worldwide can wear white while meeting the Pope. Everyone else is forbidden.

In Vatican tradition, wearing white while meeting the Pope is a privilege reserved for only a select few royal women — a custom known as le privilège du blanc (the privilege of the white). While most women are expected to wear black with a mantilla during papal audiences, just seven women globally are permitted to wear white due to their status as Catholic queens or princesses of royal Catholic houses.

These women include Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Princess Marina of Naples, among others. The privilege stems from their devout Catholic monarchies and is rarely exercised, making each appearance a powerful symbol of faith and tradition.

The rule underscores the Vatican’s deep ties with Catholic royalty and maintains a strong visual contrast between those of religious significance and visiting dignitaries. It’s one of the last remaining visual codes of papal protocol.