Spain’s King and Queen traveled to Rome today, and one of their engagements on this trip was attending an audience with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City, their second meeting with him after attending the inaugural Mass of his pontificate last year.
As she did in 2025, Queen Letizia chose to wear white again today, something that might surprise anyone unfamiliar with the “privilege of the white” (il privilegio del bianco). While protocol generally dictates that women wear black for meetings with the Pope, there’s an exception, and the Queen of Spain is one of the few figures entitled to it.
This time, she opted for one of the most elegant, classic, and timeless fabrics there is: tweed. Popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, this rough-textured wool, known for being warm, durable, and flexible, remains a favorite choice among royals for both daytime and evening engagements.
© NurPhotoJust this Tuesday in Madrid, Queen Letizia brought back a fuchsia dress, and today she’s chosen a very similar design, but, as expected, in a pristine shade of white. It features a rounded neckline and long sleeves, fitted at the waist, with a curved seam just below the bust that elongates and flatters the figure, and it falls into a slightly flared midi skirt.
© NurPhotoAs she has been doing for some time now, she opted for a kitten-heel style, which adds elegance without compromising comfort. Specifically, she wore a pair by Magrit with a buckle across the instep, paired with a matching bag from the same brand.
© NurPhotoAs for jewelry, she brought back one of her favorite pairs of earrings, dangling diamonds with Australian pearls that can be adjusted to hang longer or shorter.
© NurPhotoShe wore her hair down, parted to the side with natural waves, her go-to style for everyday wear. The surprise came when it was clear she wasn’t wearing a mantilla, as she did last year. In reality, though, it’s well known that the Queen isn’t particularly fond of headpieces or other hair accessories, so unless protocol requires it, which in this case it doesn’t, she usually goes without.
© TIZIANA FABIWhat is the “privilege of the white”?
It’s a Vatican protocol tradition that allows certain women to wear white as a mark of deference and respect toward Catholic monarchies, while also symbolizing purity, innocence, and peace. Today, in addition to Queen Letizia, those entitled to this privilege include Queen Sofía of Spain; Queens Mathilde and Paola of Belgium; María Teresa and Grand Duchess Stéphanie of Luxembourg; and Princess Charlene of Monaco.
© NurPhoto via Getty Images
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesUntil now, Queen Letizia had exercised this privilege on two occasions: in May 2025, during the Mass marking the start of Leo XIV’s pontificate, and in June 2014. On that earlier occasion, shortly after transitioning from princess to queen, she met with Pope Francis and wore a matching dress and jacket. She did, however, forgo the comb and mantilla.
© Getty ImagesHowever, Queen Letizia hasn’t always been able to exercise this privilege, since this exception also has its own limits. For example, it doesn’t apply at funerals, which is why she wore black during the farewell to Pope Francis on April 26, 2025. Likewise, during her meeting with Pope John Paul II on June 28, 2004, following her wedding to then-Prince Felipe, she wore black, as she was not yet queen.
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