Máxima and Willem-Alexander no longer hide it on Pope Leo XIV's special day

St. Peter's Square in the Vatican has once again been the scene of one of the most symbolic ceremonies in the Catholic world: the mass marking the beginning of the new Pope Leo XIV's pontificate. Thousands of faithful and representatives from all corners of the globe gathered this Sunday in the heart of Rome. All to accompany the American pontiff at the start of his role leading the Church.

The day included the presence of political leaders, diplomatic delegations, and, as expected, European royal houses. Among the most observed faces of the day was Queen Letizia, who wore an elegant white suit. A color reserved only for those consorts with the privilege of "papal white."

Maxima of the Netherlands, in the media spotlight on Pope Leo XIV's most special day

However, another queen also caught many eyes. This was Maxima of the Netherlands, although for a very different reason. The Dutch queen traveled alone, without her husband, King Willem-Alexander.

A detail that, without a doubt, did not go unnoticed. While on other occasions the king's absence had diplomatic or scheduling explanations, this time the mystery was complete.

In the official calendar of the Dutch Royal House, there is no commitment listed for Willem in the previous days. The only confirmed event is his presence next Wednesday, the 21st, in Japan, where he will visit the Netherlands pavilion at the Osaka Expo.

Is there distance between Willem and Maxima of the Netherlands?

Additionally, the queen's trip to Rome coincided with an important date in her personal calendar. This Saturday, May 17, she turned 54 years old. For that reason, King Willem's decision not to accompany her has reignited rumors that have been circulating for months.

There is talk of a possible distance within the royal marriage. Images of Maxima alone in Rome, at such a significant event, only fuel the debate about the couple's current situation.

From the queen's entourage, attempts have been made to ease the tension. In the absence of the king, they have assured that she has the support of Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, who was also present at the ceremony.

This is not the first time a ceremony in Rome has highlighted this separation. A few weeks ago, at Pope Francis's funeral, it was King's Day celebrations that prevented Maxima and Willem from traveling to the Vatican. All despite both Pope Francis and Maxima sharing the same origins: Argentina.

Maxima of the Netherlands couldn't wear white

Maxima of the Netherlands has always sparked special interest in Vatican circles. Of Catholic confession, she married under the Calvinist rite, respecting the religious tradition of the House of Orange. However, a special permit from the Archbishop of Rotterdam allowed her to keep her faith.

Even so, unlike Letizia, she couldn't wear white. This privilege is reserved only for Catholic queens who are consorts of monarchs of Catholic states. In her case, the Netherlands keeps its link with Protestantism, which prevents her from accessing that liturgical gesture.

For the moment, the Dutch Royal House has not issued any statement about the monarch's absence from Pope Leo XIV's mass. Time will tell if this distancing consolidates or was just a strategic move. But what is evident is that Maxima has chosen to keep her institutional commitment intact, even without King Willem's presence.