The queens and princesses who chose the jewels of mourning for the funeral of Pope Francis

It was a modern funeral for a modern Pope but some traditions remained untouched. A formal dress code was in place and that meant black dresses or suits for the royal women in attendance as well as veils or hats. Mourning jewellery was also permitted and that meant white or clear gems – mostly pearls, a jewel that represents mourning.

Queen Letizia of Spain wore a historic brooch from the joyas de pasar, the Spanish collection of jewels reserved for the country’s queen. The grey pearl brooch features a very large grey pearl surrounded by diamonds. There is an additional pear-shaped pearl pendant that can be removed; Letizia chose to wear the full setting at the funeral. 

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg wore a pair of large pearl drop earrings. Queen Silvia of Sweden also wore a pearl necklace and pearl earrings for the Pope’s funeral. Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway chose a pearl bracelet on Saturday. 

Queen Mathilde of the Belgians wore a seven-strand pearl choker with diamond accents. She also wore the choker in September 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral at Westminster Abbey. 

Queen Mary of Denmark wore a diamond brooch, another white stone (considered appropriate for mourning). 

Several of the royal women in attendance at the funeral wore black veils to cover their hair. Historically, women have worn a veil when meeting the pope; this tradition is also applied to a papal funeral.