Princess Charlene of Monaco was a vision in white as she joined her husband Prince Albert in meeting the Pope on Monday. The elegant princess was following tradition by adhering to the "privilège du blanc" rule – the custom of wearing white during an audience with the Catholic leader.
Only a handful of designated Catholic queens and princesses are permitted to wear white and Charlene is one of them, along with Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Sofia of Spain and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.
Honouring the tradition, Charlene wore a white dress, a tailored white coat and a white lace veil to cover her hair. She completed her pristine look with a white clutch bag, white gloves and nude heels and added just a pop of colour with her red lipstick.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrincess Charlene of Monaco looked pristine in white, adhering to the "privilège du blanc" rule
During the private audience at the Apostolic Palace, the 37-year-old greeted the leader by bowing down and holding his hand to her forehead.
Charlene and her husband Albert then exchanged gifts with Pope Francis I and the trio spoke while aides watched on.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe mum of twins Jacques and Gabriella added a pop of colour to her look
There was no doubt that the religious leader and the royals had a lot to talk about. The last time they met was in 2013 during Pope Francis I's inauguration mass.
At the time, Charlene wore black, the colour that protocol for papal audiences formerly requires that ladies wear - along with and a black mantilla. Michelle Obama also obliged when she met Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 with her husband Barack Obama.
© Photo: Getty ImagesCharlene and Prince Albert were given a private audience with the Pope
However, wearing black is not a strict requirement for all women. The Queen, who is the head of the Church of England, has met Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII in the past and both times she did not adhere to the rule.
Charlene's most recent high-profile outing with her husband took place in December, a few days before Christmas. The pair gave out gifts for children at the palace.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe last time Charlene met the Pope was in 2013, when she wore black
Shortly after Albert and Charlene sent out their Christmas cards, which featured their gorgeous one-year-old twins Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
