It was a historic day when Pope Leo arrived in Monaco on Saturday, as it was the first papal visit to the principality in 488 years, which is quite mind-blowing.
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There has been a long-standing protocol known as le privilège du blanc (the privilege of white), where, at formal audiences with the Pope, women are traditionally expected to wear black as a sign of modesty and respect within the Catholic Church.
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White is reserved for a very small group of Catholic royal women who have been granted this privilege by the Vatican, and Princess Charlene (who, as the consort of a Catholic country, is permitted to wear white during an audience with the Pope) is one of them.
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As we saw last week at the Rose Ball, Princess Charlene has an affinity for Elie Saab, and that continued for this historic event, where she wore a modest long-sleeve lace overlay dress with a matching veil and matching white pumps.
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The dress and coat aligns with the formality of the visit while still reflecting her personal style, which leans towards clean lines and quiet elegance.
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At the mass, held at the Louis II Stadium, the royal couple were joined by their 11-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. Prince Jacques wore a smart suit and shades for the occasion, while Princess Gabriella joined her mother in wearing a white Elie Saab dress with matching flat shoes.