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.