Princess Charlene of Monaco exercised her rare privilege to wear white when meeting Pope Leo XIV at a historic conference in Metz, France. The event, titled "At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity," brought together Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, along with EU heads of state and leaders of European institutions. Pope Leo delivered an address urging European unity and called on younger Europeans to reject violence and oppression whilst working for the good of their communities.

The "privilège du blanc" (privilege of white) is an historic exception to papal audience dress code that permits only queens and princesses from Catholic countries to wear white when meeting the Pope—fewer than ten women in the world hold this right. Princess Charlene wore a striking white trouser suit with a statement collar and matching gold-detailed handbag for the occasion, whilst Brigitte Macron observed traditional protocol in a black dress with gold brooch. The conference, held in Metz—the hometown of Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union—reflects efforts to strengthen European ties during a period of conflict and division.