UK
In a historic first, Windsor Castle hosted an open iftar on Sunday, March 2nd, at the iconic St George’s Hall, marking a significant milestone in the royal venue’s 1,000-year history. Organized in collaboration with the award-winning UK charity, the Ramadan Tent Project, the event welcomed over 360 guests from “all faiths and none,” fostering interfaith dialogue and celebrating cultural diversity.
A Royal Celebration of Ramadan
The evening began with a self-guided tour of the State Apartments, allowing guests to explore the grandeur of Windsor Castle. This was followed by a communal iftar meal in St George’s Hall, a space typically reserved for state banquets and ceremonial events. The event was free to attend, with tickets allocated through a ballot system due to overwhelming interest.
This year’s iftar marked a major upgrade from the 2024 event, which was held in the castle’s Learning Center. The choice of St George’s Hall underscored the significance of the occasion and the royal family’s commitment to inclusivity and religious diversity.
A Message of Unity and Inclusion
Simon Maples, Visitor Operations Director at Windsor Castle, highlighted King Charles’s longstanding dedication to promoting religious diversity and interfaith dialogue. “The King has been a champion of religious diversity and encouraging interfaith conversation for years,” Maples told the BBC.
The event was a testament to this commitment, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to share in the spirit of Ramadan. Attendees followed tradition by breaking their fast with dates and offering prayers before enjoying a meal in the majestic setting of St George’s Hall.
Expanding the Open Iftar Initiative
The collaboration between the Royal Collection Trust and the Ramadan Tent Project is set to expand, with plans to organize more open iftars across the UK. Upcoming venues include Shakespeare’s Globe, Brighton & Hove Albion FC, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Lord’s Cricket Ground, among others.
These events aim to promote understanding and unity, providing opportunities for people of all faiths and none to come together and celebrate the values of Ramadan.
Royal Support for Ramadan Preparations
The Windsor Castle iftar follows King Charles and Queen Camilla’s recent participation in pre-Ramadan preparations. Last week, the royal couple visited Darjeeling Express, an Indian restaurant in London, to learn about traditional Ramadan practices and share in the festive spirit.
Their involvement reflects the royal family’s ongoing efforts to engage with diverse communities and celebrate cultural traditions.
A Historic Moment for Windsor Castle
The open iftar at Windsor Castle is a landmark event, symbolizing the royal family’s embrace of multiculturalism and interfaith harmony. By opening the doors of St George’s Hall to the public for this occasion, the castle has set a powerful example of inclusivity and unity.
As the Ramadan Tent Project continues to expand its initiatives, the Windsor Castle iftar will be remembered as a historic moment that brought people together in the spirit of shared humanity.
