Real reason Queen Camilla wore ‘crown of thorns’ to meet Pope Leo

Yesterday (23 October), King Charles III made history after being the first royal to break a centuries-old tradition with Pope Leo XIV in the Sistine Chapel.

The historical move marks the first time a UK monarch and the pontiff have prayed together in around 500 years, but despite the headline-making news, it seems most royal fans were totally distracted by Camilla due to her controversial choice of headwear!

Camilla, an Anglican Protestant, chose a traditional all-black ensemble for the occasion, complete with a veil draped over her head and shoulders.

Her silk dress was designed by Fiona Clare, while milliner Philip Treacy crafted the veil. She accessorised the look with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 'Raspberry Pip' brooch, shaped like a cross.

Queen Camilla wore what appeared to be a 'crown of thorns' during her 'historical' meeting with Pope Leo XIV (Samir Hussein/WireImage / Getty Images)

The headpiece she wore is known as a mantilla - a lace veil traditionally worn by women during Catholic services, and still considered proper protocol for female dignitaries meeting the Pope.

Notably, Ivanka and Melania Trump both wore black mantillas when they met Pope Francis during his first term, following a long-standing custom observed by previous first ladies as well.

Only select royals from Catholic nations are permitted to wear white when meeting the Pope - a privilege known in French as le privilège du blanc.

Currently, this exception applies to the queens of Spain and Belgium, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, and the Princess of Monaco.

Despite the adherence to tradition, Camilla’s headdress sparked controversy online, with many critics mocking its design.

Camilla's headpiece is known as a mantilla which is a lace veil traditionally worn by women during Catholic services (Chris Jackson / Staff / Getty Images)

Some described it as resembling a 'crown of thorns' - something which could have been a direct reference to the belief of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns at his crucifixion - with one social media user slamming: "If the intention was to mimic the crown of thorns, then it’s nothing short of mockery and blasphemy."

Others were more blunt as a second exclaimed: "Jesus, what on earth is that on Camilla’s head?"

Another added: "A historic event, but what IS the Queen wearing?"

And many others joked that the thorny get-up was reminiscent of a Halloween costume.

"Looks like a Halloween costume," a fourth quipped, while a fifth asked: "The veil is Halloween couture now?"

And a final critic echoed: "Awww, Camilla wore her Halloween costume to meet the Pope - how sweet."

Now, it's important to note that there's no credible source that Camilla or her stylists intended the headpiece to represent the biblical 'crown of thorns' with the phrasing stemming from public reaction, as opposed to an official royal statement.