King Charles III, Queen Camilla support London’s Ramadan charity initiatives

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited two popular London restaurants on February 26, lending a helping hand ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The royal couple participated in preparing dates, a traditional food consumed to break the fast, at Darjeeling Express, a celebrated British-Indian restaurant. They were warmly welcomed by the restaurant's owner and chef, Asma Khan, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The royals also visited Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, a restaurant founded by Imad Alarnab, a Syrian entrepreneur who fled the war and established the eatery in 2020. At both establishments, King Charles and Queen Camilla assisted restaurant staff in packing dates and biryani boxes, which will be donated to local communities in the spirit of charity and Ramadan.

This visit further highlights King Charles and Queen Camilla’s commitment to charitable activities, promoting inclusivity, and supporting various religious communities. The king, in particular, has a long history of engaging with the UK’s Muslim community and championing initiatives that foster unity. Chef Asma Khan, who runs the Darjeeling Express with an all-female team, expressed deep appreciation for the royal visit. She noted that the royal couple’s presence served as a powerful reminder of the core values of compassion, charity, and togetherness during the holy month. 

Every year, Khan donates all proceeds from her restaurant during Ramadan to charity and provides food packages to hospitals. After the restaurant visits, the royal couple met with recipients of a charity that supports Muslim communities living in temporary housing. They also met with Sadiya Ahmed, an advocate documenting the contributions of Muslims in the UK. Coinciding with their visit, London’s Piccadilly Circus was once again illuminated with Ramadan decorations for the third consecutive year. 

The lights, organized by the Aziz Foundation, were switched on by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. A statement shared on the royal family’s social media acknowledged the diversity and creativity of Muslim women, emphasizing that Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, community togetherness, and fostering mutual understanding.

By Naila Huseynova