Queen Elizabeth II has met a number of Popes including Pope Jean Paul II and Pope Francis. However, an expert has revealed Her Majesty almost made a huge diplomatic blunder almost 20 years ago.
The Queen was advised she could wear a day dress, but this was not the case, as Angela knew – being Catholic. She brought along a black dress in case, which the Queen wore when her private secretaries were informed of the dress code.
Angela writes in her book: “I vividly remember the brief look of relief on the Queen’s face.”
For the event the Queen wore a black dress with an intricate floral lace design on the top half.
The gown had a high neckline and long sleeves. It also, unsurprisingly, had a long skirt. As is the norm when meeting the pope, the Queen wore a veil, like Melania Trump did when meeting the Pope.
The royal line of succession – who outranks who?
The line of succession to the British throne dictates the order in which each member of the Royal Family would ascend to the throne.
It is also seen as a ranking of importance with the head of the line, the Queen, taking the place of ruler.
Older children come before younger children. Traditionally boys came before girls, but this law was changed on 26 March 2015 before the birth of Prince William’s first child.
Incredibly, Catholics are still excluded from the line of succession, as are children born outside of wedlock.
The royals, who usually stick to a strict protocol when appearing in public, often arrive at events in ascending order of importance, with the most important royal arriving last.
Prince Charles, 70, is currently second-in-line to the British throne, followed by Prince William, 37, his oldest son.
Then comes Prince William’s children, George, five, Charlotte, three, and Louis, almost one, and they are followed by Prince Harry, 34. Prince Harry is succeeded by his son Archie Harrison, born in May.