Princess Charlene of Monaco attended Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican on Saturday, joining her husband Prince Albert for the sombre occasion.
The 46-year-old Monagasque royal arrived at St Peter’s Square dressed in a knee-grazing black dress with a round neckline and long sleeves.
She completed her respectful ensemble with a black lace veil that lightly concealed her blonde hair, which was swept away from her face.
The former Olympic swimmer’s choice of attire reflected the solemnity of the occasion as European royalty gathered to pay their respects to the late head of the Catholic Church.
Princess Charlene of Monaco attended Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican on Saturday, joining her husband, Prince Albert, for the sombre occasion
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Princess Charlene accessorised her funeral outfit with classic black pumps and carried a small Prada handbag.
Prince Albert opted for a black two-piece suit and dark sunglasses as he accompanied his wife to the solemn event.
The Monagasque royals were joined by numerous European royal figures paying their respects.
The Prince of Wales represented King Charles at the funeral service.
Princess Charlene accessorised her funeral outfit with classic black pumps and carried a small Prada handbag
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King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain were also among the dignitaries in attendance at St. Peter’s Square.
The gathering of royalty highlighted the significance of the occasion as they came together to honour the late Pope Francis.
Princess Charlene’s sombre funeral look echoed her elegant appearance when meeting Pope Francis in 2016, when she also wore a lace veil.
As a Catholic Princess, Charlene is granted “the privilege of the white” or “il privilegio del bianco” in Italian.
Prince William represented King Charles at the funeral service
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This privilege extends to other Catholic royals including Queen Letizia and Queen Sofía of Spain, Queen Paola of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and Princess Marina of Naples.
White is traditionally worn by royal women meeting the Pope as it symbolises purity, holiness and light in the Catholic Church.
The colour choice represents these countries’ allegiance to Catholicism.
For the funeral, however, Princess Charlene appropriately chose a black version of the lace veil to pay her respects.
