The Vatican rules offer guidance on how people should dress when meeting the pope during specific occasions. However, wearing white is a privilege reserved for only a handful of royal women to symbolize three specific virtues.
Many people have met different popes throughout the years, but only seven women worldwide are allowed to wear white when meeting him. However, they are not permitted to do so when attending papal funerals. Here is what we know about the tradition.
Pope Francis meets with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on September 14, 2023, in Vatican City, Vatican | Source: Getty Images
How the Dress Code for Royal Women Meeting the Pope Changed
When the current Queen Consort, Camilla, was still the Duchess of Cornwall, she met Pope Benedict XVI in 2009. During that meeting, she wore the customary black dress with long sleeves and a lace mantilla, or veil.
