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Royal Rule: Why Princess Charlene Wore White
29 Mar
Summary
- Princess Charlene wore white, permitted by papal tradition for sovereign's wife.
- Other royal women wore black due to stricter dress codes for non-Catholics.
- Privilège du blanc allows Catholic royal women to wear white before the Pope.
Princess Charlene of Monaco recently graced a papal visit in a striking white ensemble, a tradition reserved for the wife of a sovereign. Her choice contrasted with other royal attendees, such as Princess Caroline and Beatrice Borromeo, who wore black, adhering to different sartorial customs.
The 'privilège du blanc' is a special allowance permitting Catholic royal women to wear white when in the presence of the Pope. Princess Charlene, as the wife of Monaco's sovereign, Prince Albert, was fully compliant with this rule.
Her daughter, Princess Gabriella, also joined her mother in coordinating white outfits. This tradition extends to other Catholic nations; Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Mathilde of Belgium were seen in white at a previous papal event.
Conversely, royal women from countries with different state religions, like Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden or potentially Kate Middleton if attending with Prince William, are restricted from wearing white due to their nation's religious affiliations.
