Why Queen Camilla Dressed in Black to Meet the Pope When Other Queens Are Permitted to Wear White

Queen Camilla Defies Tradition by Wearing Black to Meet the Pope

Queen Camilla made a bold fashion statement during her recent meeting with Pope Leo, where she donned a striking black dress and veil alongside King Charles. This choice of attire deviated from the traditional expectation of royal women wearing white when in the presence of the pontiff. While Camilla stuck to her black ensemble, it’s common for other royal women to opt for white when meeting the pope.

Traditionally, certain royal women are granted the privilege known as “il privilegio del bianco,” or “the privilege of the white,” allowing them to wear white attire in the presence of the Pope. This honour is exclusively extended to designated Catholic queens and princesses, including notable figures like Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Queen Letizia of Spain, among others.

The exclusive club of royal women with the privilege to wear white around the pope may have recently expanded. With the abdication of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, his son, Grand Duke Guillaume, assumed the royal role. This change likely extends the privilege of wearing white to his wife, the new Grand Duchess Stéphanie. The significance of this club was evident during Pope Leo’s inauguration mass, where royal women in white ensembles stood out in the crowd.

It’s worth noting that while royal women typically wear white when meeting the pope, it is not a strict requirement. Princess Charlene, for instance, has opted for both white and black ensembles during papal audiences in the past, reflecting a degree of flexibility within this tradition. The recent meeting between King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Pope Leo marked a historic occasion as they partook in a prayer service at the Sistine Chapel.

King Charles’ visit to the Vatican underscores his commitment to interfaith relations, despite the historical divide resulting from King Henry VIII’s break from the authority of the pope in the English Reformation. This visit with Pope Leo symbolised a significant moment in British-Catholic relations, particularly as it marked the first public joint prayer between a British monarch and a pope in centuries.

The original plan for King Charles and Queen Camilla to meet with Pope Francis earlier in the year was disrupted by the latter’s poor health and subsequent passing. However, their encounter with Pope Leo, the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, served as a poignant and historic moment that signified a new chapter in the relationship between the British monarchy and the Vatican.

In conclusion, Queen Camilla’s choice to wear black instead of white to meet the pope may have challenged tradition, but it also highlighted the rich tapestry of royal customs and protocols that continue to evolve over time. The meeting of King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Pope Leo exemplified a shared commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding between different faith communities, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and cultural exchanges in the modern world.