Why Queen Camilla wore black veil to meet Pope Leo as people left confused over bold detail

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at Vatican City to formally meet Pope Leo XIV as their state visit to the Holy See continues this morning (23 October).

The pair of royals arrived in Rome yesterday (22 October) at the start of their two-day state visit to the Vatican in a symbolic display of unity between the Church of England and the Catholic Church.

The visit, which will be the first time the couple will have met the pontiff since he was elected to office in May, will celebrate the Papal Jubilee held every 25 years with a series of events beginning with the royal couple being welcomed by Pope Leo.

For the occasion, Camilla opted for a traditional black outfit to meet the Pope, including a veil over her head and shoulders. Her silk dress was by Fiona Clare, milliner Philip Treacy made the mantilla or veil, and she wore the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 'raspberry pip' brooch in the shape of cross.

Queen Consort Camilla met with Pope Leo at the Vatican earlier today (23 October) (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Taking to social media to share their thoughts on the ensemble, one X user penned: "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?"

A second chimed in: "I would say no, a black lace veil would have been enough and it would have been perfect, this time she was badly advised."

"It’s too 'on the nose' for the Vatican," declared a third. "She should have done more with her hair too. It’s sloppy.

"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."

Camilla wore a black veil and thorned crown for the occasion (Samir Hussein/WireImage)

A fourth shared: "Nay on the crown of thorns - a bit too much."

"If the intention was to resemble the crown of thorns then it is at the very least mockery and blasphemy," slammed a fifth.

Another echoed: "I don’t like it. Too harsh."

And a final X user added: "Not my cup of tea."

But why did Camilla wear the black veil in a fashion move which left people particularly confused over the 'bold detail'?

Well, the headpiece in question is called a mantilla, which is a lace veil that women have traditionally worn during Catholic services and they remain as protocol for female dignitaries when meeting the Pope.

Mantillas remain as protocol for female dignitaries when meeting the Pope (Samir Hussein / Contributor / Getty Images)

Notably, the daughter and wife of US President Donald Trump, Ivanka and Melania, were also spotted wearing a black mantilla when they met Pope Francis during his first term, as were previous first ladies.

Only royals from certain Catholic countries are permitted to wear white when meeting the Pope - something known as 'le privilege du blanc' with the exception currently applying to the Queens of Spain and Belgium, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and the Princess of Monaco.

Sky News' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills explained: "We weren't sure whether or not this would happen.

The expert added that it is 'particularly pertinent' and 'a sign of respect to the Pope' that she is wearing it.