The Queen joined the King in the Vatican for the historic visit.

Real reason for Queen Camilla’s surprise accessory on historic Vatican trip explained (Image: Getty )

Queen Camilla made a striking appearance in Rome as she accompanied King Charles on their historic visit to the Vatican. The royal couple were received at the Apostolic Palace, where they met with Pope Leo XIV in what marked an important moment of unity between the British monarchy and the Catholic Church.

The Queen, 78, paid tribute to royal tradition through her elegant and deeply symbolic attire. She wore a custom black silk dress by Fiona Clare, paired with a black lace mantilla designed by milliner Philip Treacy.

Her black garment and headpiece were a timeless gesture that underscores the formality and reverence of papal audiences.

Queen Camilla sported a sombre look at the Vatican (Image: Getty)

Her veil draped gracefully over her head and shoulders, symbolising both respect and modesty in accordance with Vatican protocol.

The long-standing dress code, which has been observed for centuries, requires women meeting the Pope to wear black attire with long sleeves and a veil as a sign of reverence.

By contrast, a small number of royal women from Catholic nations are granted what is known as “il privilegio del bianco” or “the privilege of wearing white.”

As Britain is a Protestant country, Queen Camilla was expected to adhere to the traditional black dress code, rather than the papal white permitted to Catholic queens and princesses.

King Charles and Queen Camilla posed for snaps with the Pope in Rome (Image: Getty)

King Charles and Queen Camilla received a ceremonial welcome ahead of meeting the Pope (Image: Getty )

However, her look caused quite a stir online, with some royal watchers divided over the dramatic headpiece. Taking to X, one user commented: “I see that Queen Camilla is dressed, head to toe, in black as required by Vatican protocol, as she is not Roman Catholic. Might I suggest that @Pontifex give this protocol the old ‘heave-ho’ and not make non-Catholic women dress like they’re attending a Victorian funeral?”

Another remarked on the styling similarities to the Princess of Wales, writing: “I don’t like it but many others love it. To me, it looks like a Temu version of Catherine’s headpiece worn at the coronation. Almost as if Queen Camilla wanted a tiara effect. If she wanted a statement veil, something like her beautiful wedding headpiece would have been lovely.”

A third observer added a more playful critique: “Queen Camilla’s headband is a very unique accessory – it looks straight out of a horror movie!”

Adding a personal and sentimental touch, Camilla was snapped wearing the late Queen Elizabeth II’s raspberry pip brooch, a diamond piece shaped like a cross.

The brooch was a poignant tribute to her late mother-in-law and served as a reminder of continuity within the monarchy.

Her accessories were completed with a string of classic pearls and matching earrings, echoing the understated grace that has come to define her royal style.