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.
Actually only Queens from catholic countries are granted the "privilège du blanc" meaning the privilege to wear white in the presence of the Pope. Queen Maxima, despite being a Catholic herself cannot wear white for instance, because The Netherlands is a protestant country. Veils on the other hand are required during public ceremonies, even for catholic queens. This one is a private visit, hence Letizia not wearing one.
DeleteMARIE
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 ?
ReplyDelete@ Achard
DeleteLors des funérailles du Pape François j'ai appris que le protocol pour les messieurs était soit un costume noir avec une cravate et chemise blanche, soit un costume bleu marine ou un costume gris antracite.
Sobriété 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.
ReplyDeleteWhy should women cover their hair??
DeleteFor a private meeting with the pope it is not required to wear a veil. The veil is only required for ceremonies. The old traditions of wearing a long dress and a veil are almost not required anymore. If a queen prefers to wear a veil for a private meeting with the pope she is free to do so, but it is not required.
DeletePerfecta.
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.
ReplyDeleteKeine Mantilla - sehr Schade. Bei allen Bildern die im Netz diesen Besuch
ReplyDeletezeigen, fällt mir überall auf wie unnatürlich dieser scheinbare Schalen BH wirkt. Ihr Busen ist fast in Augenhöhe von Papst Leo, das sieht unter diesem sonst sehr hübschen Kleid einfach nur künstlich gepuscht aus. Sie kann das so viel besser!!! - Dorothe -
@ Dorothe
DeleteIn what century do you live ? Queen Letizia is dressed like it should be. For a private visit to the pope a mantilla or veil is not required. Your remark about her breast and bra is not natural.
Dorothe. Wenn man meint, es kann nicht mehr schlimmer werden, dann kommen Sie um die Ecke und kritisieren die Unterwäsche der Königin, die in Ihrer Einbildung unangemessen ist. Geht's noch? Respektieren Sie um Himmels willen die Intimsphäre anderer Menschen.
DeleteOnly catholic queens have the Privilege of White. Letizia is one of them.
ReplyDeleteCH
Letizia looks lovely in white and Felipe is as handsome as always.
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