Rex Catholicissimus

The titles Catholic King and Catholic Queen are awarded by the Pope as head of the Roman Catholic Church to monarchs who bring in the eyes of the Vatican, both in politics and in the private life of the Catholic principles expressed. The title is, as well as title of nobility, hereditary and passes to the successor of or those who / which has once received him personally.

The best known examples of the award of the title are Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon (both kingdoms are now part of Spain). The Spanish King Juan Carlos entails, according to the Spanish Constitution today the title "His Catholic Majesty " ( "Su Majestad Católica ").

Privilege du blanc

A special right of a Catholic Queen is the Privilege du blanc. This is a privilege, attributable to the so-called " Catholic monarchs " and wives of the "Catholic Monarchs ". It allows these women in an audience with the Pope to wear white instead of black.

The formal protocol for Vatican Papal Audiences demanded long-sleeved, black clothes and a black mantilla for women. Since the 1980s, papal dress codes are optional.

The Privilege du blanc is currently available only to the following persons:

• Queen Sophia of Spain, wife of King Juan Carlos
• Queen Paola of Belgium, wife of King Albert II
• Queen Fabiola of Belgium, widow of King Baudouin I.
• Queen Mathilde of Belgium, wife of King Philippe
• Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, wife of Grand Duke Henri

• Ruler title
• Title of nobility