Queen Letizia models lace veil and shin-skimming dress in poignant tribute

Queen Letizia was seen at the Vatican on Saturday as she joined her husband King Felipe at the funeral of Pope Francis.

The Spanish royal, 50, opted for an elegant look to pay her respects to the former head of the Catholic church. She wore a black dress with a round neckline and three-quarter-length sleeves.

She also donned a black veil covering her brunette locks and a pair of black kitten heels. The mother of two carried a black handbag as she looped her arm through that of her husband who wore a black suit as they arrived at St Peter's Square.

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The Spanish royals joined a host of European royals to commemorate the late Pope. Princess Charlene of Monaco joined Letizia in sporting a black dress and veil when arriving with her husband Prince Albert. 

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Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales attended on behalf of his father the King. World leaders, including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Trump and his wife Melania, and French President Emmanuel Macron, also made an appearance. 

Queen Letizia's symbolic headwear

Queen Letizia's beautiful lace veil is worn for symbolic reasons. The traditional black mourning veil, previously worn by royal ladies at the funeral of a sovereign, conceals one's face, in order to provide extra privacy during this period of upset. 

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They also signify sorrow and having long been worn by practising nuns, can be seen as a nod to modesty and chastity. 

As the wife of a Catholic monarch, Queen Letizia is eligible to wear a white veil upon meetings with the Pope. This is due to "the privilege of the white" or "il privilegio del bianco" in Italian. 

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This privilege also applies to Catholic royals, including Princess Charlene, 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 worn by royal women meeting with the Pope as a symbol of purity, holiness and light in Catholic belief. Here, white is a testament to these countries' allegiance to Catholicism.

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On this occasion, Catholic royal women have opted for a black version in tribute to the late pontiff.