Dignitaries, heads of state and European Royals were in attendance yesterday for the canonisations in which Popes John Paul II and John XXIII were declared saints. It was not surprising to see several Queens who have been granted the Privilège du Blanc (the special permission granted to Catholic queens, duchesses and princesses to wear white during an audience with the Pope) at this special event. Queen Sofia stood out in an intricately designed traditional lace mantilla and high peineta comb. With her floor length white lace gown, she looked very regal.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty ImagesQueen Paola topped her white coat with a long white lace veil (probably of Brussels lace).
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Grand Duchess Maria Teresa topped her modern white suit with a short white lace veil.
Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty Images Embed from Getty ImagesPrincess Marie Aglaë of Liechtenstein, who has not been granted the Privilège du Blanc, wore a black coat and lace veil.
Princess Margaretha of Liechtenstein and her daughter, Princess Maria Annunciata (back left, with iphone), were also in attendance. They sat with Princess Stéphanie, Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, who wore a beautiful black lace veil.
It is not often that we see these women in lace veils (outside their wedding day) and it looks like a lovely celebration was enjoyed at this mass.
Photos from Getty as indicated and Tageblatt
With such close ties between the Luxembourg and Liechtenstein families (the groom’s aunt is a Princess of Luxembourg through birth and a Princess of Liechtenstein through marriage), it was no surprise to see Prince Hans Adam and Princess Marie Aglaë (Liechtenstein’s equivalent of King and Queen) at this wedding. Princess Marie wore a black organza ribbon fascinator with small feathers… and while I was originally going to make a comment about it being a little young for her, I’ve decided instead to compliment her. I liked how her black accessories tied her outfit together and I think it’s wonderful that a woman over age 40 has confidence to wear a whimsical headpiece.
Royal Hats 