‘A Vulture on Her Head’: Queen Camilla’s Headpiece Triggers Online Backlash

What began as a solemn moment of interfaith unity quickly transformed into a digital storm of commentary. As soon as images of Queen Camilla’s Vatican visit surfaced, her intricate headpiece became the talk of social media.

Users described her Philip Treacy mantilla in vivid — and often unflattering — terms. One viewer asked, “Why is she wearing that on her head?” Another wrote, “That headpiece is ridiculous… simple veil would be enough.” More sarcastic comments compared the look to Halloween attire or even “a vulture on her head.” Others questioned her choice entirely, with one remarking, “The Queen’s headpiece is not eligible for the official visit to the Vatican 🙄.”

Still, amid the criticism, supporters praised her for honoring royal and religious dress codes, noting her outfit’s historical accuracy and symbolic depth. Her black ensemble, far from being a fashion misstep, followed centuries of papal etiquette — a tradition that even the late Queen Elizabeth II observed during her meetings with Pope John Paul II.

The event itself held immense significance. Inside the Sistine Chapel, King Charles and Pope Leo XIV led a service blending Anglican and Catholic traditions. The ceremony began with the Lord’s Prayer in English and featured performances from the Sistine Chapel Choir, St George’s Chapel Choir from Windsor, and the Chapel Royal children’s choir — a moving symbol of spiritual harmony.

Despite the grandeur of the setting and the importance of the meeting, it was Queen Camilla’s attire that dominated headlines. The controversy underscored how royal fashion remains inseparable from public perception — every detail interpreted, every choice dissected.

Yet beyond the noise, the day marked a milestone in history. For the first time since the Reformation, a British sovereign and the Pope prayed together beneath Michelangelo’s masterpiece — a powerful reminder that while style may divide opinion, faith and diplomacy can still unite across centuries.