Queen Sofia First to Use 'Privilege of White' with Trousers at Meeting with the Pope. In Madrid, Queen Sofia became the first to exercise the 'privilege of white' with trousers during an audience with Pope Leo XIV. This event highlighted the pontiff's visit and underscored changes in royal protocol.
In Madrid last night, Queen Sofia made history at the Spanish court by attending a prayer service with Pope Leo XIV in a white trouser suit. This was the first time the “privilege of white”—the special right of Catholic queens to wear white when meeting the pontiff—was realized not with the traditional skirt or dress, but with elegant trousers. The meeting took place at Almudena Cathedral, where Pope Leo XIV paid tribute to Madrid’s patron saint.
The choice of outfit for this event became a notable gesture: Queen Sofia, now the queen emerita, opted for a tailored white ensemble by Alejandro de Miguel, complemented by a lace-trimmed jacket, a small handbag, and classic jewelry—a pearl necklace and earrings. This look not only emphasized her status but also became a symbol of renewed tradition in royal protocol.
The “privilege of white” is a rare exception granted by the Vatican only to certain Catholic queens. Typically, women choose black, navy blue, or gray attire when meeting the Pope, as Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia did last week. Historically, Queen Sofia has met pontiffs in different styles: from checked suits in 1982 with John Paul II to light jackets in 2011 with Benedict XVI. Traditional accessories—mantilla and peineta—remain the prerogative of Spanish queens, though this time Sofia embraced modernity.
Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Madrid comes with a packed agenda and heightened attention to protocol details. That evening, the pontiff held a major gathering at Santiago Bernabéu stadium, after earlier meetings with government officials and the faithful. As noted by an analysis by russpain.com, the Pope’s visit has become one of the most significant events of the year for the capital and the entire country.
For reference: the “privilege of white” is reserved only for the queens of Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Princess of Monaco. In Spain, this gesture has always signified special respect for Catholic tradition. Sofia’s appearance in trousers may signal a gradual renewal of royal customs, while maintaining respect for church protocol. In recent years, the Spanish monarchy has increasingly demonstrated flexibility regarding etiquette, which is also reflected in clothing choices at official events.
