King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived in Vatican City today (23 October) to officially meet Pope Leo XIV, continuing their state visit to the Holy See.

The royal couple touched down in Rome yesterday (22 October) to begin their two-day trip, an occasion symbolising diplomatic unity between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

This meeting marks the first time the King and Queen will encounter the pontiff since his election in May. Their visit also coincides with celebrations for the Papal Jubilee, which takes place every 25 years, beginning with a formal welcome by Pope Leo.

Camilla’s Traditional Attire Sparks Discussion

For this highly ceremonial engagement, Queen Camilla wore a traditional black ensemble, complete with a veil covering her head and shoulders. Her silk dress was designed by Fiona Clare, while the mantilla-style veil was created by renowned milliner Philip Treacy. She completed the look with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘raspberry pip’ brooch in the shape of a cross.

However, the headpiece quickly became a topic of debate on social media. One user on X commented: “A bold choice this morning for Queen Camilla during her visit to the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV. A fascinator blending autumnal style with a crown-of-thorns vibe. Yay or nay?”

Another user responded: “I would say no, a black lace veil would have been enough and it would have been perfect, this time she was badly advised.”

A third wrote: “It’s too ‘on the nose’ for the Vatican. She should have done more with her hair too. It’s sloppy.”

One person added: “Really you cannot compete with the pope on hats. She’s not Catholic so lace might be too much. Something clean and simple would have looked appropriate and more attractive.”

A fourth commented simply: “Nay on the crown of thorns – a bit too much.”

Another strongly remarked: “If the intention was to resemble the crown of thorns then it is at the very least mockery and blasphemy.” Another echoed: “I don’t like it. Too harsh.” And a final user added: “Not my cup of tea.”

The Meaning Behind the Mantilla

Despite the divided reactions, the Queen’s choice of attire followed Vatican protocol. The headpiece she wore is known as a mantilla—a lace veil traditionally worn by women during Catholic services. It remains standard protocol for female dignitaries when meeting the Pope.

This tradition has been observed by other high-profile figures, including Ivanka Trump and Melania Trump, both of whom wore black mantillas during their meeting with Pope Francis during his first papal term.

There is a specific exception known as le privilège du blanc, which allows only certain Catholic queens and princesses to wear white in the Pope’s presence. Currently, this privilege is granted to the Queens of Spain and Belgium, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and the Princess of Monaco.

A Gesture of Respect

Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills noted the significance of Queen Camilla’s decision to wear the mantilla. “We weren’t sure whether or not this would happen,” she said, adding that it is “particularly pertinent” and “a sign of respect to the Pope” that she chose to follow this traditional dress code.