Posted by Bryce on May 16, 2015, 1:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Garter armlet"
That is a good question to which I do not know the answer but I do have an opinion.
QEII wore her garter amrlet for her visit to Pope John XXIII (1961) and first visit to John Paul II (1980) at the Apostolic Palace. In fact she wore full formal protocol dress including all black, floor length dress with tiara, long lace mantilla and Orders.
For her second meeting with John Paul II (2000), HM wore a black ensemble and hat (with short veil).
For her meeting with Pope Francis in Rome she wore the same lilac coat, dress and hat she had worn to lunch with the Italian President. This, was said, was in keeping with the informal nature of the visit.
For her meeting with Pope Pius XII in 1951 when she was still Princess Elizabeth, she wore a floor length black gown with long black veil.
I think that HM was (and is) respectful of the protocol of the state she is visiting - especially when it is considered a state visit. As such she wore what was expected.
Why the Garter armlet though? I think that maybe it was felt that, as she and the Pope are not just Heads of State, but also Heads of Church, that she should go the extra mile. As this was the most formal of meetings, the most formal wearing of the Garter was considered appropriate.
The only other time I have noticed the Garter Armlet being worn in the current reign has been by Princess Alexandra at the annual Diplomatic Reception.