Princess Charlene of Monaco Wears Elie Saab Dress for Pope Leo Mass


Princess Charlene of Monaco and her husband Prince Albert attended Pope Leo XIV’s papal inauguration mass on Sunday in St. Peter’s Square. While she had worn all-black to the inaugural mass of Pope Francis in 2013, she chose all white for Sunday’s event—she is one of a few women who can wear all-white in the audience of the pope, holding to traditions steeped in historical protocols.

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 18: Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peter's Square after his election on May 8th. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco arrive ahead of the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peter’s Square after his election on May 8th.

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Charlene chose a white midi-length dress from Elie Saab for the event. The dress included demure long sleeves as well as a scalloped hem. The fabric features white embroidery, giving the simple design depth and texture. She also carried a small clutch from Akris. She finished off the look with a customary white veil as well as a pair of classic pointed-toe stiletto pumps.

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 18: Princess Charlene of Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg pray during the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter's Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peter's Square after his election on May 8th. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images)

Princess Charlene of Monaco, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg pray during the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV in St Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peter’s Square after his election on May 8th.

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Only seven women in the world are allowed “the privilege of the white” while in the presence of the pope. While she did not exercise that right at the mass of Pope Benedict, Charlene did later wear white to meet with him privately.

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - MAY 18: Pope Leo XIV meets with I Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the end of the Inauguration Mass In St. Peter's Square  on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost) presided over his inauguration mass in St Peter's Square after his election on May 8th. (Photo by Maria Laura Antonelli via  Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Pope Leo XIV meets with I Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco at the end of the Inauguration Mass In St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost).

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That same tradition is extended to Catholic queens and consorts. Charlene became the Princess of Monaco in 2011 through her marriage to Prince Albert and converted to Catholicism before her marriage. Prior to the inauguration of Pope Francis, Charlene wore white to a private meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in January 2013. She then wore the hue again for a 2016 meeting with Pope Francis.

VATICAN CITY - APRIL 26,2025: Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco arrive ahead of the late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square at The Vatican (Photo credit should read Marco Ravagli/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert II of Monaco arrive ahead of the late Pope Francis’ funeral ceremony at St Peter’s Square at The Vatican.

Future Publishing via Getty Imag

Women are largely expected to wear a matching mantilla, a lace veil, while in the pope’s presence.

Other attendees to the inaugural outdoor mass of Pope Leo included U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg as well as King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain. Usha Vance wore all-black, including her mantilla.

Pope Leo made history on May 8 as the first American to hold the role.



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