The royals visited Muslim chefs, charities and community leaders.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have marked the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan. In an event that celebrated women in the United Kingdom’s Muslim community, they met with charities, restaurants and leaders.
It’s not often that the royal family are spotted on the once-swinging Carnaby Street in London. King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the Indian restaurant, Darjeeling Express. Located in Kingly Court, the restaurant was launched by the Indian British chef, Asma Khan. During the visit, the royals and restaurateur created food packages to send to hospitals as part of the charity donation, Zakat Al Fitr.
In an Instagram post, the Royal Family’s official account stated: “Traditionally, dates are eaten as the first food to break the fast at sunset during Ramadan. Their Majesties helped pack dates that will be sent to local hospitals for iftar during the Holy Month.”
Asma is passionate about women’s rights, and hires an all-female staff in Darjeeling Express. She has worked with Boxoo International in Saudi Arabia, which helps female entrepreneurs. Plus, she was the first British chef to be profiled by Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla also visited Imad’s Syrian Kitchen. They met with British Syrians including charity workers, doctors and filmmakers. In 2020, Imad Alarnab opened the restaurant. Prior to this, Imad was a refugee and ran multiple restaurants in Damascus, but they were destroyed in the war.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla met with families supported by the charity Doorstep, which provides goods and services to the Muslim community in temporary accommodation. Sadiya Ahmed of Everyday Muslim spoke with the royals about the company’s work,and how it raises awareness aofMuslim history.
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GO: Visit www.royal.uk for more information.