Queen Letizia performs rare double curtsy as she joins lookalike daughters Leonor and Sofia for historic meeting with Pope Leo XIV

Queen Letizia invoked her rare royal privilege called "privilège du blanc" ("the privilege of the white"), while her daughters notably wore black. 

She opted for a white guipure lace midi dress with a belt from The 2nd Skin Co., which she first wore in 2015 during her state visit to Egypt. 

Her accessories included a clutch, camel-colored slingback shoes, her signature Coreterno ring, and the Luzia earrings from Gold&Roses.

As the Queen of a catholic country, Letizia is allowed to wear white to meet the Pope. Usually, the look is accompanied by a white veil.

As her daughters hold "princess" and "infanta" titles, they are required to wear black in the presence of Pope Leo.

Letizia formally welcomed the Pontiff with a rare double curtsy – one before getting into the car and a second upon arrival at the Royal Palace, where Leonor and Sofia were waiting. 

King Felipe, meanwhile, opted for a gold tie, perhaps a nod to one of the colours in the Vatican flag, representing the keys of St Peter. 

The monarchs welcomed him by kissing the papal ring (the ring of the Fisherman), and the group were welcomed by Spanish flags and gifts.

Pope Leo landed on an Italian Airways A320 NEO aircraft after travelling from Rome to Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas Airport. 

The Pope said: "Personally, I am very happy to be making this trip. I have come to Spain many times, but this is my first time on this mission of fulfilling an apostolic visit, meeting the faithful, celebrating the faith, and greeting all of society, because the Church has a message for everyone."

Pope Leo boarded the plane wearing a white cassock, but upon descending the steps in Madrid, he changed into a crimson mozzetta (white is worn only at Easter) over which he wore his pectoral cross. On his head, as always, he wore the zucchetto, a round white silk cap.

Many of his planned engagements centre on issues around marginalised people, youth, and migrants, alongside meetings with the Spanish royals, government figures, and church officials. 

A highlight of the itinerary sees Pope Leo inaugurate the recently completed Tower of Jesus Christ spire at the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the architect Antoni Gaudí's death.