Princess Gabriella of Monaco Twins with Mom Princess Charlene in White to Meet Pope Leo

Princess Charlene of Monaco recently had the distinguished honour of meeting with Pope Leo during his visit to Monaco, alongside her family. The encounter, which took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, marked a significant occasion as Princess Charlene and their daughter, Princess Gabriella, donned white attire—an exceptional privilege granted to a select group of women in the presence of the pontiff.

Pope Leo’s arrival in Monaco was accomplished via helicopter from Vatican City. Welcomed by the princely family at the Monaco Palace, the family then accompanied the pope to a mass held at the Monaco Stadium. Known as the “privilège du blanc,” the right to wear white is a rarity among women attending papal audiences; the standard dress code typically requires women to wear formal black attire.

Princess Charlene, now 48, has been the first royal in Monaco’s history to utilise this privilege. She initially wore white during a meeting with Pope Benedict in 2013 and has since enjoyed this honour on several occasions, including during more recent state visits. While Princess Gabriella—aged 11—was permitted to wear white for this specific event, it is understood that this leniency is often extended to children, highlighting the family’s close connection to the pontiff.

During the royal family’s meeting with Pope Leo, both Princess Charlene and Princess Gabriella wore matching white outfits, whilst Prince Albert appeared in navy and their son, Prince Jacques, opted for a formal black three-piece suit. Their attire was in keeping with the tradition that sees most women cover their heads with lace or silk veils during papal audiences if they are not privileged to wear white.

The meeting culminated in a family portrait with the pope at the palace before they transitioned to attend the outdoor mass. Witnesses noted that during the service, Princess Charlene engaged in the traditional rituals, including receiving communion and making the sign of the cross, demonstrating her active participation in the proceedings.

In a similar vein of royal engagement, Queen Letizia of Spain recently demonstrated the privilege of white on her visit to Vatican City with King Felipe. However, she chose to forgo the customary head covering for that trip, unlike her previous occasions when she donned a mantilla for papal meetings.

The limited number of women with the privilege of white includes several prominent figures such as Queen Sofia of Spain, Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium, as well as Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg. Conversely, those without this privilege maintain a dress code of formal black attire, which is representative of modesty and reverence during papal audiences.

Pope Leo’s inaugural visit to Monaco has drawn mixed reactions, particularly as the principality is often associated with gambling and luxury. Some commentators have questioned the appropriateness of this location as his first European trip of the year. However, the pope addressed these concerns in his homily during the mass, emphasising the importance of joy, charity, and living a life blessed by faith.

“The Church in Monaco is called to bear witness to living in peace and with God’s blessing,” Pope Leo stated. He encouraged congregants to share their happiness and wealth, especially as the Easter season approaches, reinforcing a message of compassion and generosity rather than indulgence.

The royal family’s engagement with the pope reflects not only a continuation of longstanding traditions but also highlights the evolving nature of the roles and responsibilities of contemporary royals within religious contexts. As Princess Charlene and her children participated in this significant event, their presence underscored the intersection of faith and modern monarchy, exemplifying how royal duties expand beyond mere tradition to foster meaningful connections with religious leaders and the wider community.