Privilège du blanc

[1] It is an exception to the traditional requirement of women to wear black garments on such occasions, which has become optional since the 1980s.

[2][3] Certain designated Catholic queens and princesses have nonetheless traditionally been exempted from wearing black garments.

[citation needed] As of 2023, the following living royal women are eligible for the privilege:[citation needed] Marina, Princess of Naples, wife of the former Head of the House of Savoy, Vittorio Emanuele, Prince of Naples, used the privilege on 18 May 2003 during a Catholic Mass marking the birth anniversary of Pope John Paul II.

[5] For the first time in Monégasque history on 12 January 2013, Charlene, Princess of Monaco, used the privilege in an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.

The Holy See Press Office later issued a press release declaring the following: "…in accordance with prescribed ceremonial of the Vatican for Catholic sovereigns, the princess [of Monaco] was allowed to dress in white.