In Monaco, the principality’s princesses, Charlene, Caroline and even Stéphanie, wear this light black veil at funerals.
the coat. This term may not mean anything to you, but you have all seen this light veil worn by women from the Monegasque family during a mass. In fact, this tradition, which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, has been preserved on the Rock and it is not uncommon for Charlène Wittstock, wife of Prince Albert, or Caroline of Monaco, sister of the current leader of the Monegasques, this is what veils wear at religious ceremonies. Most commonly, the mantilla is black and is worn at funerals in the Principality.
Until the second half of the 20th century, the mantilla was obligatory for women if they wanted to attend a mass. In France, this custom has been lost, but in Spain, for example, it is customary for women to wear this veil when going to church. In addition, the mantilla is very often worn by women when they have an audience with the Pope. Recently, Melania Trump was spotted wearing this veil when she met Pope Francis. Note that only Catholic queens have the right to wear the white mantilla. To date there are four: the Queen of Spain, the Queen of Belgium, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and the Princess of Monaco.
Parade of the black mantillas at the funeral of Rainier III
In 2005, Prince Rainier, emblematic Monegasque leader and father of Albert, Caroline and Stéphanie, died at the age of 81. A funeral is then held on the rock with great pomp. For the occasion, the Monegasque princesses Caroline and Stéphanie had brought out their black mantilla to mourn their late father. Proof that this veil is still used in the Principality when it comes to paying homage to a loved one.
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Grace Kelly’s funeral
Grace Kelly was with her daughter Stephanie when she lost control of her car
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Funeral of Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, in June 2020
Princess Caroline and Charlene wear a mantilla at the funeral of Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy in June 2020
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Funeral of Prince Rainier in 2005
Princess Caroline of Monaco
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Funeral of Prince Rainier in 2005
Princess Caroline of Monaco
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Funeral of Prince Rainier in 2005
Princess Caroline of Monaco and her daughter Charlotte
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Funeral of Prince Rainier in 2005
Princess Caroline of Monaco
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Funeral of Prince Rainier in 2005
Princess Caroline of Monaco
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Funeral of Prince Rainier III
The whole family gathered for the funeral of Rainier III
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Funeral of Princess Antoinette of Monaco in March 2011
Princess Stephanie, Princess Caroline and Princess Antoinette’s daughter
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Funeral of Prince Rainier III
The whole family gathered for the funeral of Rainier III
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Funeral of Princess Antoinette of Monaco in March 2011
Princess Caroline of Monaco
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Funeral of Princess Antoinette of Monaco in March 2011
Princess Charlene of Monaco
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Funeral of Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, in June 2020
Princess Charlene of Monaco
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Funeral of Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, in June 2020
Princesses Stephanie, Caroline and Charlene
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Funeral of Baroness Elizabeth-Ann de Massy, in June 2020
Princess Caroline of Monaco
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Funeral of Prince Louis de Polignac
The Monaco family at the funeral of Louis de Polignac
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Funeral of Prince Louis de Polignac
Caroline of Monaco at the funeral of Louis de Polignac