Princess Charlene of Monaco visits the Vatican in an all-white outfit - one of only SEVEN people allowed to wear the colour while meeting the Pope

 

Princess Charlene of Monaco visited the Vatican in an all-white outfit today as it's revealed she is one of only seven people allowed to don the colour while meeting Pope Francis

 

Called le privilége du blanc in French or il privilegio del biacno in Italian, the special tradition is extended solely to designated Catholic queens and princesses and is usually reserved for important events at the Vatican such as private audiences, canonisations, beatifications and special masses

 

Princess Charlene is bestowed this privilege, along with Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Queen Letizia of Spain and Princess Marina of Naples.

 

The 37-year-old mother-of-two was joined by her husband Prince Albert, 57, at the Apostolic Palace ahead of their audience with the pontiff. The trip - a formal state visit between the world's two smallest countries - will mark Princess Charlene's fourth official tour of the city. 

Princess Charlene stepped out of her chauffeur-driven car into the bright Italian sunshine wearing a white lace mantilla and collarless winter coat. A peep of the style icon's knee-length cream dress was just visible underneath her outerwear. 

 

Pope Francis meets King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain at the Paul VI Hall on April 28, 2014 in Vatican City

Pope Francis meets King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain at his private library in the Apostolic Palace in June 2014

Pope Francis chats to Queen Mathilde of Belgium as she needs helps to stand up during a private audience in March 2015