At Pope Francis’ funeral in April 2025, those symbolic choices were on full display. Royals like Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Charlene of Monaco, and Queen Rania of Jordan attended in black veils and dresses, following the traditional Catholic mourning attire of modest, somber clothing. The funeral’s strict protocol prohibited white, a color reserved for only a handful of

Catholic royals under the “privilège du blanc.” This rare honor, granted to women like Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Grand Duchess María Teresa of Luxembourg, allows them to wear white during specific papal ceremonies, though never for funerals. These clothing rules—encompassing everything from veil material to heel height—reflect not just religious customs but also the delicate intersection of faith, diplomacy, and royalty. While dress codes may appear outdated to some, within the Vatican they remain a visible expression of reverence, identity, and rank in one of the world’s most tradition-bound institutions.