Why Charlene of Monaco wore the black veil to meet the Pope in Rome

Black veil, rosary around her neck, long-sleeved dress despite the heat of Rome: charlene from monaco strictly followed the protocol of the private hearing with Pope Francis, but he wanted to take some small stylistic liberties. O Prince Albert and wife are taken to Pomegranate where they found the Pontiff. After having enchanted in silver at the Red Cross ball, at the Vatican Charlène wore a black dress with some transparency that did not go unnoticed. Black would be the obvious choice for anyone, but not for her: she is one of the few women in the world who can wear white in front of the Pope. Why wear black then?

Charlène de Monaco’s black dress

For Charlène of Monaco it is not the first audience with the Pope: if for the meeting with Ratzinger she chose a white coat, this time she preferred the more classic black. She wore a suit Terrence Bray with bateau neckline and slightly flared skirt, combined with nude pumps from Louis Vuitton. The dress had one quirk: the slightly sheer sleeves, a slight deviation from the rules and dress code. The princess wore a rosary around her neck and wore a brand-new dark nail polish, while the prince chose a dark blue suit with an ice blue tie.

Charlène from Monaco in Terrence Bray dress

The dress code for meeting the Pope

In audiences with the Pope, black is preferred, but it is not a real obligation: Queen Elizabeth, for example, came to the Vatican dressed in lilac, without anyone doing a plissé. The important thing is that you wear a dress in sober colors, with a sober line and a discreet neckline. The head must always be covered, and preferably also the knees: where Vatican ceremonial does not arrive, common sense arrives. Even jewelry must be limited and often those who meet the Pontiff prefer to wear a rosary, or a crucifix, around their neck.

Charlene from Monaco with veil and rosary

Why Charlène Wittstock can wear white

Some women, however, enjoy a special exception, the so-called white privilege: Catholic queens, or queens consorts of Catholic monarchies, can wear a white dress in front of the Pope. The privilege has recently been extended to the long-excluded Monegasque dynasty as well. Charlène Wittstock, who converted to Catholicism before her marriage, inaugurated the privilege in 2013 in the white lace suit. The fact that the former swimmer can wear white does not mean that she is obliged to do so: during the private hearing on July 20, Charlène Wittstock did in fact choose black. Only one element is needed: the veil on the head, which makes women appear to be in trouble. Not a sign of mourning, in this case, but of respect for the highest religious authority of the Catholic religion.