Queen Letizia dons rare white privilege in historic Vatican audience

Only seven royal women hold this sacred sartorial right. Discover why Queen Letizia's white dress at the Vatican carries centuries of tradition and prestige.

, and Administrator

2026 March 21 . 4:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a black and white engraving of a woman in a dress, believed to be Johannina... — The image shows a black and white engraving of a woman in a dress, believed to be Johannina Magdalena, the Queen of Austria. She is wearing a long, ornate dress with intricate details and a crown on her head. Her facial features are delicate and her eyes are looking off to the side, giving her a regal and dignified look. Her hair is pulled back in a bun and she has a gentle expression on her face.

Queen Letizia dons rare white privilege in historic Vatican audience

Queen Letizia of Spain attended a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Friday. The meeting took place at St. Damaso Court, ahead of King Felipe VI's upcoming investiture as a protocanon of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. For the occasion, the queen wore an elegant white outfit, a rare privilege granted to only a few royal women in Catholic tradition.

The queen arrived in a white long-sleeve tweed midi dress, paired with beige kitten-heeled pumps from the Spanish brand Magrit. The shoes, featuring a pointed toe, smooth leather finish, and a rectangular buckle, had a low heel of around two inches. She has worn the same pair on previous occasions, including at the World Day for Rare Diseases events in Castellon de la Plana.

Queen Letizia is one of just seven royal women permitted to wear white during private papal audiences. This tradition, known as the *privilège du blanc*, is extended only to select Catholic queens and princesses. Alongside her, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Princess Charlène of Monaco also hold this distinction. The audience came before King Felipe VI's formal investiture as a protocanon, a title held by Spanish monarchs since the 17th century. The ceremony will take place at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.

The meeting highlighted the close ties between the Spanish monarchy and the Vatican. Queen Letizia's choice of white attire underscored her status within Catholic tradition. King Felipe VI's upcoming investiture continues a centuries-old custom for Spanish sovereigns.