Queen Camilla and King Charles Reveal Hidden Talents Just Days Before Ramadan

In a divided world, King Charles and Queen Camilla showcased unity and compassion through their Ramadan engagements, from packing Iftar dates to supporting hospital food donations. They celebrated Muslim heritage by exploring Islamic art’s influence and meeting inspiring Muslim women, embodying the values of generosity and empathy. Their actions highlight how even small gestures can foster cultural understanding and uplift marginalized communities. By engaging meaningfully with diverse traditions, they strengthened societal bonds and inspired connections. These efforts remind us that leadership rooted in kindness can create a lasting impact. Discover how their work exemplifies the true spirit of Ramadan and its universal lessons for everyone.

Related: Ramadan 2024: From Preparation to Year-Round Spirit

Ramadan Donations and Royal Engagement with Muslims

Darjeeling Express, an acclaimed London-based restaurant run by an all-female team under the leadership of Indian-born British restaurateur Asma Khan, is at the heart of these endeavors. Since its inception in Soho in 2017, Darjeeling Express has become synonymous with culinary excellence and social responsibility. This year, as part of Zakat al-Fitr—an obligatory charitable donation made before the end of Ramadan—Asma donated the restaurant’s entire proceeds to charity. Additionally, she sent food packages to hospitals, ensuring that those in need received nourishment during this spiritually significant period.

It was here that Queen Camilla and King Charles met families supported by Doorstep, a grassroots charity providing essential goods and services to members of the Muslim community living in temporary accommodations. The royals’ interaction with these beneficiaries highlighted their genuine concern for vulnerable populations and reinforced their role as advocates for marginalized groups.

Beyond addressing immediate needs, the royal couple also delved into broader conversations about Muslim heritage and contributions to British society. They engaged with Sadiya Ahmed of Everyday Muslim, a pioneering organization dedicated to documenting the presence and impact of Muslims in Britain through images, interviews, and archival materials. During their visit, Queen Camilla and King Charles participated in a workshop exploring the influence of Islamic art on William Morris, a celebrated figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. This session illuminated how Islamic aesthetics have shaped Western design traditions, offering a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of global cultures.

By speaking with Sadiya about Everyday Muslim’s archival project, the monarchs emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of Muslim history within the UK. The engagement extended further as Queen Camilla and King Charles interacted with accomplished Muslim women from various fields, including sports, art, and business. These trailblazers shared insights into their professional journeys and discussed their plans for observing Ramadan.

One particularly poignant moment occurred when the royals assisted in packing dates destined for iftar—the evening meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. Dates hold symbolic significance in Islam, as they were traditionally consumed by the Prophet Muhammad to break his fast. This hands-on participation allowed Queen Camilla and King Charles to immerse themselves in the rituals and traditions of Ramadan while demonstrating solidarity with the Muslim community.

Following their visit to Darjeeling Express, King Charles took a brief detour to Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, located just next door. Founded by Imad Alarnab, a Syrian chef, entrepreneur, and refugee, this establishment tells a story of resilience and hope. Before fleeing the devastation of war in Damascus, Imad successfully operated multiple restaurants. After arriving in London in 2015, he opened his eponymous kitchen in early 2020, bringing authentic Syrian flavors to the heart of the city. At Imad’s, the King met British Syrians actively contributing to their community, such as filmmakers, doctors, and charity workers. These interactions underscored the transformative power of food as a bridge between cultures and showcased the invaluable contributions of refugees to British society.

Queen Camilla and King Charles’s involvement in these activities is far from incidental; it reflects decades of advocacy for interfaith harmony and mutual understanding. As Prince of Wales, King Charles frequently engaged with leaders of various faiths and denominations, visiting sacred sites and places of worship across the globe. His Majesty has long championed interfaith dialogue, striving to build bridges between religions and promote peaceful coexistence. Similarly, Queen Camilla has been a steadfast supporter of initiatives aimed at empowering women, promoting education, and addressing social inequalities. Together, they embody a vision of leadership rooted in service, humility, and respect for diversity.

This latest series of engagements serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen Camilla and King Charles’ commitment to fostering unity and compassion. By participating in events tied to Ramadan—a month characterized by reflection, gratitude, and giving—they have once again shown that their support for other faiths extends beyond mere symbolism. Instead, it manifests in tangible ways that uplift individuals, preserve cultural heritage, and strengthen communal bonds.

The Symbolism of Ramadan and Its Global Significance

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, holds profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community observed by over 1.9 billion Muslims globally. Fasting during Ramadan, or *Sawm*, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, emphasizing self-discipline, gratitude, and empathy for those less fortunate. Each day, from dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs, redirecting their focus toward spiritual growth and acts of kindness.

The month culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Central to this celebration is Zakat al-Fitr, an obligatory charitable donation given before the conclusion of the holy month. Zakat al-Fitr ensures that even the poorest members of the community can partake in the festivities of Eid, reinforcing the principles of generosity and solidarity that underpin Ramadan. For many, the act of breaking the fast at sunset with dates and water is deeply symbolic, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. This ritual not only connects individuals to their faith but also fosters a sense of unity among participants as families and communities gather to share meals and stories.

In the UK, Ramadan serves as a unifying force within the Muslim community while also offering opportunities for interfaith engagement. Mosques host open iftars, inviting people of all backgrounds to experience the spirit of Ramadan firsthand. These events provide a platform for dialogue, dispelling misconceptions and building bridges between different faiths and cultures. Queen Camilla and King Charles’s participation in Ramadan-related activities underscores their recognition of the month’s transformative potential—not only for Muslims but for society as a whole.

 Darjeeling Express: A Culinary Haven with a Social Mission

Darjeeling Express, founded by Asma Khan in 2017, stands out not only for its exceptional cuisine but also for its commitment to social causes. Located in Kingly Court, a vibrant hub in central London, the restaurant is renowned for its homely yet sophisticated dishes inspired by Asma’s Indian heritage. What sets Darjeeling Express apart, however, is its ethos: the restaurant is run entirely by women, many of whom are mothers or homemakers seeking financial independence.

During Ramadan, Asma takes her mission a step further by donating the restaurant’s entire proceeds to charity. This year, she partnered with Doorstep, a grassroots organization that provides essential goods and services to the Muslim community living in temporary accommodations. Through this collaboration, Darjeeling Express sent food packages to hospitals, ensuring that healthcare workers and patients alike had access to nutritious meals during the holy month.

When Queen Camilla and King Charles visited Darjeeling Express, they witnessed firsthand the impact of these efforts. They spoke with families supported by Doorstep, learning about the challenges faced by those in precarious housing situations. The royals’ presence underscored their commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and supporting initiatives that address systemic inequalities. Asma’s work exemplifies how businesses can serve as catalysts for positive change, aligning perfectly with the values espoused by Queen Camilla and King Charles.

Everyday Muslim: Preserving Heritage

Another highlight of the royal couple’s Ramadan engagements was their visit to Everyday Muslim, an organization founded by Sadiya Ahmed to document the presence and contributions of Muslims in Britain. Through photographs, oral histories, and archival materials, Everyday Muslim seeks to create a comprehensive record of Muslim life in the UK, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the community’s integral role in shaping British history and culture.

During their visit, Queen Camilla and King Charles participated in a workshop exploring the influence of Islamic art on William Morris, a key figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. Islamic art, with its intricate geometric patterns and calligraphy, has inspired countless Western artists and designers. The workshop provided a fascinating glimpse into this cross-cultural exchange, illustrating how ideas and aesthetics travel across borders to enrich societies.

By engaging with Sadiya and her team, the royals demonstrated their appreciation for the importance of preserving cultural heritage. They also acknowledged the need to raise awareness about the often-overlooked contributions of Muslims to British arts, sciences, and public life. This engagement reinforced their commitment to fostering mutual understanding and celebrating the diversity that defines modern Britain.

Empowering Women and Strengthening Communities

One of the most inspiring aspects of Queen Camilla and King Charles’s Ramadan activities was their interaction with accomplished Muslim women from various fields. These women—entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and activists—shared their experiences and aspirations, offering a glimpse into the dynamic roles played by Muslim women in contemporary society.

For instance, one entrepreneur discussed her journey of launching a sustainable fashion brand, while another highlighted her efforts to promote mental health awareness within the Muslim community. An athlete recounted her struggles and triumphs as a hijab-wearing sportswoman, breaking barriers and inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams. These conversations underscored the resilience and determination of Muslim women, who continue to make significant strides despite facing societal challenges.

A particularly moving moment occurred when the royals joined these women in packing dates for Iftar meals destined for hospitals. This gesture symbolized their solidarity with the Muslim community and their willingness to engage directly with the traditions and practices of Ramadan. By doing so, Queen Camilla and King Charles not only honored the spirit of the holy month but also set an example of inclusive leadership.

Imad’s Syrian Kitchen: A Story of Resilience and Hope

Just steps away from Darjeeling Express lies Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, a testament to the power of resilience and entrepreneurship. Founded by Imad Alarnab, a Syrian refugee who fled the devastation of war in Damascus, the restaurant brings authentic Syrian flavors to London. Imad’s story is one of perseverance; after losing his restaurants and livelihood in Syria, he arrived in the UK in 2015 and rebuilt his life from scratch. In 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, he opened Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, quickly earning acclaim for its flavorful dishes and warm hospitality.

King Charles’s visit to Imad’s Syrian Kitchen highlighted the invaluable contributions of refugees to British society. He met with British Syrians from diverse professions—filmmakers documenting their homeland’s struggles, doctors serving underserved communities, and charity workers advocating for refugee rights. These interactions underscored the transformative power of food as a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. Imad’s success story serves as a reminder of the potential within every individual, regardless of their circumstances, to contribute meaningfully to their adopted home.

A Legacy of Interfaith Dialogue and Compassion

Queen Camilla and King Charles’s involvement in Ramadan-related activities is deeply rooted in their longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue and community empowerment. As Prince of Wales, King Charles frequently engaged with leaders of various faiths, visiting sacred sites and fostering understanding between religious communities. Queen Camilla, meanwhile, has championed causes related to women’s empowerment, literacy, and social justice. Together, they represent a model of leadership grounded in service and inclusivity.

Their recent engagements during Ramadan exemplify how their support for other faiths extends beyond Iftarronial gestures. Whether assisting in packing dates for Iftarr, participating in workshops on cultural heritage, or meeting with refugees and entrepreneurs, Queen Camilla and King Charles consistently demonstrate their ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Their actions inspire others to embrace diversity, practice empathy, and work toward a more harmonious world.

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s Ramadan engagements highlight compassion, unity, and interfaith dialogue while uplifting marginalized communities. Celebrating Islamic traditions and fostering cultural understanding exemplify inclusive leadership rooted in service. Their actions demonstrate how small gestures can bridge divides and strengthen societal bonds. Through empathy and collaboration, they inspire us to prioritize humanity and connection. Reflecting on their efforts reveals the power of meaningful acts in promoting harmony. True greatness lies in uniting people for a brighter, more inclusive future.