King Charles III made history yesterday (October 23) by becoming the first British monarch in nearly 500 years to pray alongside a pope. The meeting with Pope Leo XIV took place inside the Sistine Chapel — a moment hailed as a remarkable gesture of unity between the Anglican and Catholic faiths.

But while the King’s groundbreaking visit made headlines, much of the public attention quickly shifted to Queen Camilla — and her controversial choice of headwear.

The Queen, who is Anglican, wore a traditional black ensemble for the papal audience, complete with a lace veil draped over her head and shoulders. Her silk dress was designed by Fiona Clare, while the black mantilla and accompanying headpiece were crafted by milliner Philip Treacy. She completed the look with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s “Raspberry Pip” brooch, shaped like a cross.

The mantilla — a lace veil traditionally worn by women during Catholic services — remains a symbol of respect for audiences with the Pope. It’s the same look adopted by Ivanka and Melania Trump when they met Pope Francis, in line with Vatican protocol.

Only a few Catholic royals, such as the Queens of Spain and Belgium, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and the Princess of Monaco, are permitted to wear white under the Vatican’s privilège du blanc.

Despite adhering to tradition, Camilla’s headpiece drew fierce online debate. Many social media users claimed the design resembled a “crown of thorns,” referencing the biblical image of Jesus’ crucifixion.

“If the intention was to mimic the crown of thorns, it’s nothing short of mockery and blasphemy,” one critic wrote. Another commented bluntly: “Jesus, what on earth is that on Camilla’s head?”

Others were less severe but no less puzzled. “A historic event — but what is the Queen wearing?” one person asked, while another joked: “Looks like a Halloween costume.”

Several others quipped that the look was “Halloween couture,” with one user teasing, “Awww, Camilla wore her Halloween costume to meet the Pope — how sweet.”

However, there is no evidence that Camilla or her stylists intended the headpiece to represent the biblical crown of thorns. The comparison appears to have originated purely from public reaction rather than any official royal statement or religious symbolism.