The Belgian Royal House has confirmed information that has Queen Mathilde as the protagonist. The wife of King Philippe of Belgium will finally be present at the enthronement mass of Pope Leo XIV and will do so dressed in white. "Their Majesties, the King and Queen, attend the enthronement of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Rome," reads the statement.
It is worth noting that the monarchs were already present at the funeral of Pope Francis, which took place last April 26 at the Vatican. A moment when a detail of the attire chosen by the Queen of Belgium was commented on.
The reason why Queen Mathilde of Belgium can wear white before Pope Leo XIV
Then the monarch appeared with a pearl necklace that did not comply with the simplicity required by Vatican protocol. A detail that did not go unnoticed by some social media users, who considered that the consort had made an expensive mistake in her dress code.
However, what she did follow was the recommendation to use the mantilla, a symbol in accordance with the tradition of Catholic queens.
This Sunday the 18th will be when the ceremony marking the official start of the new pope's leadership, Robert Prevost, the first American and Augustinian pope, takes place. A date on which it is expected that the wife of Philippe of Belgium will attend dressed in white for the appointment of the new pontiff.
The privilege of wearing white, although the traditional attire for papal audiences should be black, is an honor granted to certain Catholic queens and consorts. This concession is a symbol of gratitude to the royal houses that kept faithful to the Catholic Church when other kingdoms converted to Protestant churches.
During Pope Francis's funeral, Mathilde of Belgium was questioned for a detail in her attire
The appointment of Pope Francis's successor will bring together world leaders and faithful, symbolizing the unity of the Catholic Church. In addition to Queen Mathilde and her husband, King Philippe of Belgium, members of other royal houses will also be present. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the Grand Dukes of Luxembourg, Princess Victoria of Sweden, Prince Edward of the United Kingdom, and Prince Alois and Princess Sophie of Liechtenstein.
As for the Spanish Royal House, it will be King Felipe and Queen Letizia who travel to the Vatican to witness the Eucharist with which the papacy of Leo XIV begins. A historic moment in which the 267th pope will take office after a brief conclave, lasting just over 24 hours.
The aforementioned members of royalty will be present in St. Peter's Square at the large outdoor enthronement mass that will begin at 10 in the morning. An event that could gather around 250,000 people, which involves the deployment of a significant security device composed of more than 5,000 security agents.