King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain held a meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, at a particularly symbolic moment, just three months before the Pontiff’s anticipated visit to Spain, invited by the King and the Episcopal Conference. It was the King and Queen’s first meeting with the Pope since he was appointed in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.
For the occasion, Queen Letizia wore a white dress made of bouclé fabric. It features long sleeves, a fitted waist, and a flared skirt. The Queen is one of the few women entitled to the “privilège du blanc,” which allows certain royal consorts to wear white in the presence of the Pope. This exclusive tradition permits only a small number of Catholic queens and princesses to wear white during papal audiences, while other women are required to wear black.
One of the most notable aspects of the Queen’s appearance was the absence of a mantilla or veil. As this was a private audience in the Apostolic Library rather than a formal liturgical ceremony, protocol does not require the head to be covered.
To complement the dress, the Queen chose pieces of great sentimental value from her personal jewellery collection, including a pair of earrings by Ansorena, first worn at the baptism of Princess Leonor in January 2006.
I learned Letizia is one a few royal women allowed to wear white while meeting the Pope. The usual protocol requires a long sleeved black dress and veil. I like the one Letizia wore because the close fitted top goes well with the flared skirt.
ReplyDeleteShe looks very dignified.
Élégante petite robe blanche parfaite pour rencontrer au Vatican en audience privée le pape Léon XIV ; et pour les messieurs, quel est le protocole car on en parle pas ou trop peu ?
ReplyDeleteSobriété égale chic et élégance
ReplyDeleteFroufrou
I was so curious why she wasn't wearing a veil, Thanks for the answer! I knew about the “privilège du blanc” for Cathoic Queens and altho I had seen pictures of her outside with the mantilla on I was surprised to see her with the veil removed. Lovely dress BTW.
ReplyDeleteNo, she doesn't. Even catholic queens or princesses are requested to wear a veil, a tiny veil just covering a bit of hair would have been sufficient.
ReplyDeletePerfecta.
ReplyDeleteA very elegant dress. Fits perfect with the right amount of decorum to meet the pope. Her hair is held out of her face, however in one photo it looks like it might be a hair piece as the colour is different, perhaps it is the lighting.
ReplyDeletePost a Comment