A hush of ceremony and centuries-old protocol set the tone in Monaco on March 28, as Pope Leo XIV made a historic visit, the first papal trip to the principality in nearly 500 years. Against this rare and symbolic backdrop, the Grimaldi family presented a tableau of unity, tradition, and refined elegance, expressed as much through fashion as through faith.
At the heart of the visual narrative were Princess Caroline of Hanover and her daughter Charlotte Casiraghi, both adhering strictly to Vatican protocol. The tradition requires women to wear black and veil their hair with a mantilla when in the presence of the Pope, a rule they followed with striking sophistication.
Charlotte chose a meticulously crafted two-piece skirt suit from the Chanel Métiers d’Art 2026 collection. The jacket stood out for its intricate floral detailing across the bodice, rope-style trim along the lapels, and oversized silver buttons.
She completed the look with a dramatic black lace mantilla, sheer dark stockings, and Chanel sling-back kitten heels. A quilted Chanel handbag, subtly accented with red, added a modern punctuation to the otherwise solemn palette.
© Arnold JerockiPrincess Caroline’s ensemble carried a deeper emotional resonance. She wore a tailored black coat by Giorgio Armani, paired with black gloves and classic Christian Louboutin heels.
Most poignant, however, was her choice of mantilla. It was a black lace piece believed to have once belonged to her mother, Grace Kelly. The heirloom underscored a powerful sense of continuity and remembrance.
© BettmannGrace Kelly, despite her status as a Catholic princess, never benefited from the Vatican’s special exemption known as the “Privilège du blanc.” At the time, Monaco’s protocol still required consorts to appear in black before the Pope.
By wearing her mother’s mantilla, Caroline paid tribute not only to Grace’s legacy but also to her quiet devotion. She further elevated the look with a diamond-and-ruby cross pendant, reinforcing the solemnity of the occasion.
© Pascal Le SegretainWhile black dominated, two figures stood apart in luminous contrast. Princess Charlene of Monaco and her daughter Princess Gabriella of Monaco appeared in head-to-toe white ensembles by Elie Saab.
Their choice was not a break from tradition, but rather an embodiment of it. The “Privilège du blanc” is a rare Vatican concession granted to Catholic queens and princesses of sovereign Catholic states, allowing them to wear white in the Pope’s presence during formal occasions.
© PLS Monaco PoolThe effect was both symbolic and visually arresting, setting them apart while still honoring centuries-old custom.
Elegance took another form in Beatrice Borromeo, wife of Pierre Casiraghi, who once again affirmed her reputation as one of Europe’s most stylish royals. She opted for a total black Dior ensemble, fitting, as she serves as a global ambassador for the house.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesHer look featured a long-sleeved midi dress layered beneath a sharply structured coat. A delicate lace mantilla framed her face, worn with understated precision. The only glimmer came from a Cartier Panthère watch in yellow gold, an iconic piece that introduced a subtle metallic contrast without disrupting the ensemble’s restraint.
Other members of the family, including Princess Stéphanie of Monaco, also adhered to the traditional black dress code with mantillas, reinforcing a shared respect for Vatican customs. Together, the Grimaldis presented a unified front, bridging generations through coordinated symbolism and sartorial discipline.
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