On Friday, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain conducted a significant diplomatic and ecclesiastical visit to the Vatican and Rome, reinforcing the centuries-old ties between the Spanish Crown and the Holy See.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
Their Majesties were first received in a private audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
Following their time with the Pontiff, the King and Queen met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Holy See, to discuss bilateral relations and international stability.
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The highlight of the afternoon was a ceremony steeped in tradition: King Felipe, accompanied by Queen Letizia, formally took possession of his seat as Protocanon of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
© Casa de S.M. el Rey
The honorary title is more than ceremonial—it is a hereditary distinction held by Spanish sovereigns since the 17th century, dating back to the reign of King Philip IV. The role reflects the historic ties between the Spanish monarchy and the Holy See, as well as the legacy of the “Catholic Monarchs” as traditional protectors of the Church.
For the high-profile visit, Queen Letizia utilized the privilège du blanc, an exclusive protocol allowing Catholic queens to wear white in the presence of the Pope. She opted for a bespoke white tweed midi dress with a structured, feminine silhouette and long sleeves.
The Queen offset the textured white dress with tonal nude leather accents from her go-to Spanish label, Magrit. She carried the 'Mica' bag and opted for the brand’s low-heeled pumps with buckle.
Queen Letizia upheld her personal tradition of wearing the Ansorena bezel-set diamond and pearl earrings, a cherished choice for papal audiences.
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