Queen Camilla’s solemn visit to the Vatican took an unexpected turn when her striking appearance stole the spotlight and stirred a wave of online debate.
On October 23, 2025, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a historic liturgy with Pope Leo XIV at the Sistine Chapel. While the event marked an important moment for both faith and diplomacy, it was Camilla’s attire—especially her elaborate headpiece—that captured the most attention.
Dressing by Tradition
The royal couple’s appearance was steeped in symbolism. King Charles became the first British monarch to openly pray with a pope since Henry VIII’s separation from Rome in 1534—a moment many viewed as a gesture of reconciliation between the Anglican and Catholic churches.
The King appeared understated yet elegant in a blue suit, white shirt, and black tie, complemented by a striped pocket square.
For women, Vatican protocol requires modest black attire with sleeves, paired with a black mantilla—a lace or silk veil worn over the head. Queen Camilla adhered strictly to these rules, stepping out of the State Bentley at the San Damaso courtyard in a black ensemble designed by Fiona Clare and a mantilla crafted by Philip Treacy.
Her outfit echoed the late Queen Elizabeth II’s attire from her own papal visit, blending reverence with royal grace.
 |
| Wikipedia |
Why Camilla Wore Black
While some royal women wear white when meeting the pope, Camilla was not among them. The “privilege of the white” (Il privilegio del bianco) is a long-standing Vatican tradition reserved exclusively for Catholic queens and princesses.
Those entitled to it include Princess Charlene of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Princess Marina of Naples, and former queens Sofia of Spain and Paola of Belgium.
As a non-Catholic queen, Camilla respectfully chose the traditional black, completing her look with matching shoes, stockings, and her dramatic lace veil.
A Subtle Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Camilla’s outfit featured a poignant accessory—a Georgian cross-shaped brooch adorned with diamonds and translucent topaz, valued at around $53,000.
The brooch once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II and is considered one of her treasured pieces. British jeweler Maxwell Stone described it as “a deeply sentimental piece from the royal vault” and “one of the late monarch’s favorites.”
Camilla has worn it on several solemn occasions, including her first church service at Sandringham in January 2025 and Christmas 2023, as a heartfelt tribute to her late mother-in-law.
Online Reactions Turn Fierce
Despite her adherence to tradition, Camilla’s headpiece ignited a storm on social media.
Critics flooded online platforms with comments such as:
- “Why is she wearing that on her head?”
- “That headpiece is ridiculous— a simple veil would do.”
- “Is she celebrating Halloween with the Pope?”
- “That thing looks like a vulture sitting on her head!”
Others questioned the appropriateness of her outfit for such a solemn occasion. One user wrote, “The Queen’s headpiece doesn’t fit the Vatican visit,” while another asked bluntly, “Why is Camilla wearing black?”
A Historic Visit 500 Years in the Making
Despite the fashion controversy, the royal visit itself was monumental. According to the Vatican, this was the first visit of its kind in half a millennium—a symbolic step toward closer ties between the Anglican and Catholic faiths.
The liturgy, held beneath Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes, blended both traditions. The Sistine Chapel Choir performed alongside the Chapel Royal Choir of St. James’s Palace and the St. George’s Chapel Choir from Windsor Castle, uniting voices in a moving act of worship.
Yet in the eyes of many, the prayers and hymns were overshadowed by a single, polarizing accessory—Queen Camilla’s unforgettable headpiece—reminding the world once again that the royal family’s every gesture and garment remains under the public gaze.
What are your thoughts on Queen Camilla’s look?
Share this story with friends and family and let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Post a Comment