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Queen Camilla Meets Pope Francis on 20th Wedding Anniversary

During a recent audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican, Queen Camilla donned black attire, a customary choice for royal consorts and U.S. First Ladies in such settings.

In a surprising turn, King Charles and Queen Camilla decided to meet with the Pope on April 9, coinciding with their 20th wedding anniversary, despite a prior announcement indicating they would refrain from visits following the Pope’s recent hospitalization. This meeting marked Camilla’s first interaction with the Pope since her husband ascended to the throne in September 2022. Adhering to established traditions, she opted for black since she is not permitted to wear white for these occasions, as noted by People.

There is a little-known royal protocol that dictates who may wear white in the Pope’s presence. Referred to as “il privilegio del bianco” in Italian, this tradition grants the privilege of wearing white to only seven women globally, typically recognized as designated Catholic queens and princesses. This practice is seen as a mark of distinction reserved for a select group.

According to People, those allowed to wear white do so for significant papal events, including private audiences and canonizations. The roster of these distinguished royals includes figures such as Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Marina of Naples. Additionally, two former queens—Queen Sofia of Spain and Queen Paola of Belgium—are also part of this exclusive circle.

For instance, Queen Mathilde exemplified her privilege by wearing white during her meeting with the Pope last September, while Princess Charlene, who frequently visits Vatican City with her husband Prince Albert, has opted for both colors in previous audiences.

Although this private audience was the first for Queen Camilla since King Charles took the throne, it wasn’t their initial encounter. Camilla last met Pope Francis during a 2017 trip to Italy but chose to forgo traditional attire by wearing a beige dress instead of the standard black.

Historically, British royals have navigated these dress codes in various ways. Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated for her vibrant wardrobe, often wore black, yet she was also known to embrace more colorful outfits during her meetings with Popes throughout her seven-decade reign.

Source
www.instyle.com