From power suits to classic silhouettes, Princess Charlene of Monaco has long established herself as fashion royalty. Her impeccable style was on full display during her 2016 visit to meet the late Pope Francis—an occasion where she delivered an unforgettable look.
As a Catholic and the wife of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene was granted the rare honor known as il privilegio del bianco (“the privilege of the white”), a tradition reserved for a select few royal women.
Among those permitted to wear white in the presence of the Pope are Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, and Princess Marina of Naples.
This honor notably excludes non-Catholic royals such as Queen Camilla, who wore traditional black during her visit earlier this month.
Although Princess Charlene only converted to Catholicism prior to her 2011 wedding, she became the first consort from Monaco to receive this privilege—and she made a striking impression. She wore a white lace mantilla, a refined collarless coat, and a coordinating cream dress that peeked out subtly beneath. The ensemble was completed with white leather gloves, nude heeled pumps, and a statement red lip.
Her appearance drew comparisons to the elegance of old Hollywood, even echoing the style of actress Charlize Theron, one of Charlene’s fashion inspirations.
Arriving in a black Mercedes, Princess Charlene was photographed shaking hands with the chaplain and bowing her head respectfully before posing for photos. At her side, Prince Albert looked polished in a black suit, white shirt, and silver tie.
