Just in:Princess Charlene of Monaco was seen Wears White Ellie Saab Midi Dress for at Pope Leo XIV Inauguration Mass see wat she said was her reasons…more details below 👇

Just in:Princess Charlene of Monaco was seen Wears White Ellie Saab Midi Dress for at Pope Leo XIV Inauguration Mass see wat she said was her reasons…more details below 👇

Princess Charlene of Monaco Shines in Elie Saab at Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass
On May 18, 2025, St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City was a scene of historic significance and sartorial elegance as global dignitaries and royalty gathered for the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. Among the distinguished attendees, Princess Charlene of Monaco stood out, embodying grace and tradition in a stunning white Elie Saab midi dress. Her appearance not only highlighted her evolving status as a fashion icon but also underscored the rare Vatican tradition known as le privilège du blanc (the privilege of the white). This article explores the details of her ensemble, the cultural significance of her attire, and the broader context of the event.
A Momentous Occasion in Vatican City
The inauguration Mass marked the formal beginning of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate, following his election on May 8, 2025. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, the former Cardinal became the first American to hold the papacy, a milestone that drew an eclectic mix of attendees, including heads of state, religious leaders, and European royalty. The open-air ceremony in St. Peter’s Square blended ancient rituals with modern symbolism, attended by tens of thousands of pilgrims and dignitaries, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg.
For Monaco’s Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, the event held particular resonance. Prince Albert, who is part-American through his mother, the late Princess Grace, shares a cultural connection with the new pope. The couple sat in the front row, joined by other royals and dignitaries, as Pope Leo XIV presided over the Mass, later greeting them personally at its conclusion. The event was a blend of solemnity and celebration, with tight security and vibrant crowds adding to the atmosphere.
Princess Charlene’s Elie Saab Masterpiece
Princess Charlene’s appearance at the Mass was a study in refined elegance, perfectly aligned with the Vatican’s strict dress protocols and her personal style evolution. Her choice of a white midi-length dress by Lebanese designer Elie Saab was both a nod to tradition and a showcase of her sophisticated fashion sense.

The Dress: Design and Details
The Elie Saab dress was a vision in powder white, featuring long sleeves and a demure A-line silhouette that exuded understated luxury. The midi-length hem, scalloped for added texture, lent a delicate touch, while intricate white embroidery adorned the fabric, elevating the simple design with depth and craftsmanship. The dress’s clean lines and subtle embellishments were particularly fitting for Charlene, who has often cited her preference for “clean, simple, elegant lines” due to her athletic build and broad shoulders, as she noted in a 2010 Tatler interview.

Charlene accessorized the ensemble with precision. She carried a sleek white clutch from Akris, a Swiss luxury brand known for its minimalist designs, which complemented the dress’s refined aesthetic. A pair of classic pointed-toe stiletto pumps in white added a timeless finish, ensuring the look remained cohesive and polished. The pièce de résistance, however, was the customary white lace veil, a traditional mantilla worn in the pope’s presence. The veil, described as translucent with floral-patterned netting, added a bridal-inspired elegance that harmonized with the occasion’s solemnity.

The Privilege of the White
Charlene’s all-white ensemble was not merely a fashion statement but a rare honor rooted in Vatican tradition. Known as le privilège du blanc in French or il privilegio del bianco in Italian, this protocol allows only seven women in the world—designated Catholic queens and princesses—to wear white in the presence of the pope during significant Vatican events, such as private audiences, canonizations, beatifications, or special Masses.

As the Princess of Monaco, Charlene qualifies for this privilege, having converted to Catholicism before her 2011 marriage to Prince Albert, in accordance with Monaco’s state religion. While most women are required to wear long black dresses with high collars and black mantillas for papal audiences, Charlene’s white attire symbolized her unique status. She was joined by other royals exercising the same privilege, including Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, both of whom also wore white, creating a striking visual of elegance and tradition.

Charlene has embraced this privilege on previous occasions, notably during private meetings with Pope Benedict XVI in 2013 and Pope Francis in 2016. However, she did not wear white at Pope Francis’s inauguration Mass, opting instead to exercise the privilege during a later private audience. Her choice to wear white for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass underscored the event’s importance and her role as a prominent Catholic consort.

A Fashion Icon in the Making
Princess Charlene’s appearance at the Vatican was a testament to her growing reputation as a style icon within European royalty. Since her marriage to Prince Albert, the former South African Olympian has refined her sartorial choices, moving from bold, experimental looks to a polished aesthetic that balances modern trends with royal decorum. Her recent ensembles, such as a colorful satin A-line skirt with ruby red heels at the 2025 FIA Formula E World Championship in Monte Carlo, demonstrate her willingness to push boundaries while maintaining elegance.

At the Vatican, her Elie Saab dress was widely praised for its sophistication. Media outlets, including Women’s Wear Daily and Hello! Magazine, lauded the “bridal white” look as one of her most refined to date, with Town & Country noting its alignment with the Vatican’s strict protocols. Social media posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users describing the ensemble as “pretty” and “sublime.”

The dress’s estimated cost, while not officially disclosed, sparked curiosity. A post on X from Closer France posed the question, “What is the price of her Elie Saab dress?” While exact figures remain speculative, Elie Saab’s couture designs typically range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, reflecting the craftsmanship and exclusivity of the brand.
The Broader Context: Royalty and Tradition
Charlene’s appearance was part of a larger tableau of European royalty honoring Pope Leo XIV. Queen Letizia of Spain, known for her chic style, wore a white dress with a matching bag, while Queen Mathilde of Belgium added sunglasses to her all-white ensemble, blending tradition with a modern flair. Prince Edward represented the United Kingdom, and King Philippe of Belgium and Prince Albert of Monaco, both in dapper suits, added to the regal presence.

The event also highlighted the Vatican’s ability to draw global leaders and royalty, with attendees like Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah underscoring its universal significance. The Mass itself was a spectacle, with Pope Leo XIV touring the square in the popemobile, waving to crowds before leading prayers at the tomb of St. Peter in the basilica.

Conclusion: A Symbol of Grace and Tradition
Princess Charlene of Monaco’s appearance at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass was a moment of elegance and cultural significance. Her Elie Saab midi dress, paired with the privilege of the white, encapsulated her role as a Catholic princess and a fashion icon. The ensemble, with its embroidered details, Akris clutch, and delicate veil, was a masterclass in balancing tradition with contemporary style.
As the world watched the historic ascension of the first American pope, Charlene’s presence alongside Prince Albert reinforced Monaco’s place on the global stage. Her choice of attire not only honored Vatican protocol but also cemented her status as a style leader, with media and fans alike celebrating her “sensation” in white.
The inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV will be remembered for its blend of faith, history, and diplomacy, and Princess Charlene’s elegant contribution ensured that it was also a moment of unforgettable style.