Queen Camilla given new honour amid state visit with Pope Leo XIV
Fans are thrilledKing Charles and Queen Camilla met with Pope Leo XIV today (October 23) during their Vatican state visit and were both given a new honour.
This was the first time they were meeting Pope Leo since his election in May. The trip was believed to mark the beginning of a whole new chapter in relations between the UK and the Vatican.
But while the royals are there for their state visit, they have been given a huge honour from the Pope himself.
Queen Camilla receives new honour
Queen Camilla has been granted a whole new prestigious title by Pope Leo this afternoon, following their meeting.
Today’s meeting was highly-anticipated as it included a historical moment where King Charles and Pope Leo prayed together in the Sistine Chapel. This marked the first time a British monarch and pontiff have done so in more than 500 years. And symbolises unity between the Church of England and the Catholic Church. However, it has been hit with some criticism.
But that’s not the only moment to note, as King Charles wasn’t the only of them to receive a new order, as Queen Camilla did too.
As reported by The Telegraph, King Charles has become the Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Vatican Order of Pope Pius IX.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla became the Dame Grand Cross of the same order.
It’s believed to be a highly prestigious honour and is awarded to women for distinguished service to the Catholic Church and society.
Camilla could be seen wearing The Grand Cross earlier today. It’s worn suspended from a broad ribbon over the right shoulder, with a star worn underneath.
Royal fans react to Camilla’s new title
Taking to X following the huge announcement, many royal fans expressed just how happy they are that Camilla has been rewarded with the title.
One fan penned: “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 huuuuuge!!” [Sic]
Another responded: “And she 100% deserves it,” with a series of heart emojis.
Another commented on how much of a historical moment this is. They wrote: “Queen Camilla has been awarded the Order of Pius IX. The highest honour conferred by the Holy See. It was stablished in June 1847. This is awarded for exceptional services to the Catholic Church, making her the first queen in Europe to receive such a decoration from His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”
Queen Camilla wears ‘sentimental’ brooch for occasion
Camilla looked fabulous in her all black outfit.
But Camilla also accessorised by adding a personal touch. She reportedly opted to wear one of Queen Elizabeth II’s brooches.
According to experts in jewellery at retailer Steven Stone, the cross-shaped brooch held “sentimental” value. And they estimated the brooch to be worth approximately £40k.
Spokesperson Maxwell Stone explained: “Queen Camilla chose a deeply sentimental piece from the royal vault to meet the Pope. The beloved Raspberry Pip Brooch. This elegant jewel, which she also wore at the start of the year for a service at St Mary Magdalene Church, and on the fourth day of Royal Ascot, holds a special historical significance.”
They continued: “Originally part of Queen Elizabeth II’s private collection. It is believed to have been one of the late monarch’s favourites. However, it wasn’t publicly worn for decades. That is, until Queen Camilla revived it during the 2023 Christmas service, becoming the first to showcase it in recent history.
“Shaped like a Georgian cross, the brooch is a breathtaking combination of transparent topaz and sparkling diamonds. Topaz, known for its remarkable clarity, allows the colour of the garment beneath to subtly shine through. That is a detail that enhanced the brooch’s brilliance against Queen Camilla’s coat.”
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