Imagine navigating the strict protocols of international diplomacy while still radiating personal style. Queen Rania of Jordan does just that, and her recent Vatican visit is a masterclass in sophisticated dressing! But here's where it gets interesting: royal fashion isn't just about looking good; it's steeped in tradition and unspoken rules.
Queen Rania, a recognized icon of modern royal fashion, consistently demonstrates impeccable taste, modesty, and appropriateness in her attire, regardless of the occasion. During the Jordanian royals' European tour, the Queen, age 55, met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. For such a formal and significant event, maintaining a sleek and understated style is crucial, and Queen Rania certainly delivered.
For this important engagement, the mother of Crown Prince Hussein chose a stunning wool coat from Fendi. Royal fashion expert @royal.fashion.daily on Instagram identified the piece as the 'black grain de poudre' coat by the renowned designer. The coat featured an elegant wraparound collar and a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, achieving a balance of modesty and contemporary flair. Think of it as the perfect blend of respectfulness and modern elegance.
Queen Rania's accessories were, as always, carefully chosen to complement the overall look. She added a slim gold belt, also from Fendi, which beautifully accentuated the coat's shape. Staying true to the reserved all-black theme, she carried a black leather top-handle bag from Max Mara and completed the ensemble with a pair of black patent leather pumps from Tom Ford. The subtle sheen of the patent leather added a touch of understated glamour.
So, why the all-black attire? This brings us to the fascinating world of papal etiquette. Catholicism is renowned for its rich traditions, which extend to specific dress codes. One of the most exclusive customs is 'le privilège du blanc,' or the 'privilege of the white.' This tradition grants certain Catholic queens and consorts, such as Princess Charlene and Queen Mathilde, the unique permission to wear white in the presence of the Pope. However, all other women, even those of royal status, are required to wear black when meeting the Pope. This explains Queen Rania's carefully chosen, all-black ensemble. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about a color preference; it's about adhering to centuries-old customs.
Traditional papal etiquette typically dictates that women wear a long black dress with long sleeves, a high neckline, and a black mantilla (a lace or silk veil). The absence of color is intended to symbolize humility and respect. Queen Rania's choice of a coatdress, rather than a dress, cleverly interprets these guidelines in a modern and stylish way.
Fan reaction to Queen Rania's look has been overwhelmingly positive. Online royal style enthusiasts have praised her outfit, with one commenter noting, "Those Tom Ford shoes look especially fabulous. Queen Rania always looks great; yet she always wears her own style. She always looks so appropriate but she looks so youthful. Hall of Fame dresser." Another fan declared, "The coat is unbeatable," while a third simply added, "Love her style," accompanied by a fire emoji.
Queen Rania's recent public appearances have been eagerly followed by fashion observers. After a two-month hiatus from the public eye, she returned to the spotlight in late August, following her appearance at the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez in Venice at the end of June.
Beyond formal engagements, Queen Rania's personal style shines through in her more casual outfits as well. During a visit to Al-Salt, a town in Jordan, she wore a white blouse with ballooned sleeves and a brightly patterned, lemon-colored skirt from Emporio Sirenuse, featuring what the brand describes as "backgammon embroidery." She accessorized with a tan brown leather satchel from Scotria, butter yellow Prada pumps with a chunky heel (a trendy summer choice), and thick, dark brown sunglasses from the Oliver Peoples collaboration with Khaite.
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But here's a potentially controversial point: Some might argue that rigidly adhering to dress codes, even for religious figures, is outdated in modern society. Others believe it's a sign of respect and cultural understanding. What do you think? Is it important to uphold these traditions, or should protocol adapt to contemporary sensibilities? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree that Queen Rania struck the perfect balance between tradition and modernity, or do you think she could have pushed the boundaries further? Let's discuss!
