Queen Camilla has received a distinguished honour from Pope Leo during the British royal couple’s state visit to the Vatican.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in Rome yesterday (22 October) to begin their two-day visit to the Holy See, the governing body of the Roman Catholic Church.

The visit has already proven to be historic in multiple ways.

A Moment 500 Years in the Making

In a deeply symbolic act this morning, King Charles, 76, who is the Head of the Church of England, and Pope Leo XIV, 70, the leader of the Catholic Church, prayed together inside the Sistine Chapel. This marks the first time in over five centuries that a British monarch and a pope have come together in prayer—a striking gesture of unity between the two churches.

Prestigious Papal Honour for Queen Camilla

During the visit, rare ceremonial honours were exchanged. Queen Camilla has been bestowed the title of Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Pius IX. According to The Telegraph, King Charles will be named Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Vatican Order of Pope Pius IX, while Queen Camilla will receive the equivalent honour for women.

Established in 1560, this papal order of knighthood is the highest distinction currently granted by the Holy See. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service to the Catholic Church and society. The insignia, worn with a ribbon over the right shoulder and a star on the left breast, was seen displayed by Queen Camilla during today’s engagements.

One social media user reacted by writing: “Wow! The Pope has granted Queen Camilla the title of Lady of The Great Cross of The Order of Pope Pius IX! The highest honour of The Holy See! This is huuuuge!!”

Honours for the King

In addition to Camilla’s recognition, King Charles has also received an honour from the Pope and will become Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, a distinction traditionally reserved for heads of state.

Significance for Interfaith Relations

The joint prayer and exchange of honours are being seen as pivotal moments, particularly for King Charles, who has long advocated for interfaith dialogue. The BBC reports that the visit aligns with his lifelong efforts to foster religious understanding.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace noted ahead of the state visit: “The visit will mark Their Majesties’ first meeting with Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025.

“The visit will also mark a significant moment in relations between the Catholic Church and Church of England, of which His Majesty is Supreme Governor, recognising the ecumenical work they have undertaken and reflecting the Jubilee year’s theme of walking together as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.”

The statement continued: “This will be the first state visit, since the Reformation, where the Pope and the Monarch will pray together in an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel, and the first time the monarch will have attended a service in St Paul’s Outside the Walls, a church with an historic connection to the English Crown.”

Queen Camilla’s outfit also sparked conversation among observers. She wore an all-black ensemble that featured a distinctive veil known as a mantilla. This lace head covering is traditionally worn by women during Catholic services and is required protocol for female dignitaries when meeting the Pope.