Queen Camilla was dressed in black when she met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, a sartorial decision that adhered to protocol and religious traditions. The meeting, which took place on April 9 as part of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s trip to Italy, was originally scheduled to include a visit to the Holy See. However, due to Pope Francis’ recent health issues, the plan was postponed. In a surprising turn of events, Buckingham Palace announced that the royal couple would have a private audience with the Pope during their trip.
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A photo released by the Vatican showed Queen Camilla, aged 77, wearing a black dress and signature jewellery during the 20-minute meeting with the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church. This marked Queen Camilla’s first papal audience since King Charles ascended to the throne in September 2022. The choice of black attire for the occasion was in line with the tradition observed by royal consorts and American first ladies when meeting the Pope, as they do not have permission to wear white on such occasions.
In the world of royalty, there exists a little-known rule known as “il privilegio del bianco” or “le privilège du blanc,” which translates to the privilege of white. This rule allows only seven designated Catholic queens and princesses to wear white at specific papal events, including private audiences, canonizations, beatifications, and special masses. Those permitted to wear white include Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Letizia of Spain, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Marina of Naples, Queen Sofia of Spain, and Queen Paola of Belgium.
While Queen Mathilde of Belgium donned white during her meeting with Pope Francis in September 2024, those with permission to wear white are not obligated to do so. Princess Charlene of Monaco, for example, has been known to alternate between white and black ensembles for her encounters with the Pope. During a recent meeting in July 2022, Princess Charlene even coordinated a dark manicure with her black outfit.
King Charles, who became the head of the Church of England upon his accession, has shown a keen interest in interfaith relations. During their previous encounters with Pope Francis, Charles and Camilla, then known as the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, visited the Vatican. On one of these visits in 2017, Camilla opted for a beige dress and a tan scarf instead of the traditional black attire.
The late Queen Elizabeth set her own fashion statement by wearing a mix of black and bright colours during her meetings with Catholic popes throughout her reign, sometimes even adorning tiaras for the occasions. The reason behind Queen Camilla’s choice of outfits remains unclear, but her adherence to the traditional protocol of wearing black for the papal audience demonstrates respect for the Vatican’s customs and traditions.
In conclusion, the meeting between Queen Camilla, King Charles, and Pope Francis at the Vatican highlighted the intersection of royalty, tradition, and protocol. While Queen Camilla’s choice of a black ensemble reflected a deep-rooted protocol, it also showcased a blend of modernity and respect for the historical significance of such encounters. Princess Charlene and other designated royals continue to uphold the tradition of wearing white, adding a touch of elegance and symbolism to these significant meetings.