King Charles hosts first-ever Iftar meal for Ramadan

On 2 March, King Charles III hosted the first-ever Iftar meal at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, marking a significant moment in both British royal history and interfaith relations. 

The event brought together more than 350 people in St George’s Hall to break their fast.  

Kamal Annich, the President of the Kingston University Islamic Society, reflected on the significance of the event and offered his thoughts on whether it represented genuine respect for Islam or more of a political gesture. 

How does it feel to witness such a historical event where King Charles is hosting the first, ever Iftar meal by the Royal family? And what does this mean for the Muslim community here? 

I feel like it’s quite a unique experience. I don’t think we’ve seen anything of the same scale before. 

I’m not too sure about how much of an impact it may have on how Muslims are viewed in society, but it does show a good step forward into accepting Muslims into the community in England. 

I do remember seeing negative responses from some groups on Instagram that didn’t like the fact that the English King was hosting an Iftar for Muslims. Apart from that, it looks like something positive for the Muslim community.

King Charles hosting Iftar is a significant moment in interfaith dialogue, do you think this reflects a genuine respect for Islam? Or is it more of a symbolic gesture? 

I felt it could be both. I do remember seeing something about King Charles being interested in Islam before this, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to me, but it definitely is a big symbolic gesture from the British Monarchy.  

How do you think this event might shape public perceptions of Muslims and Islam in the UK, particularly among those who might not be familiar with the significance of Ramadan? 

 I think it will. It will have a good influence on those that don’t know about Muslims or that much about Ramadan. Seeing the King of England acknowledge the Muslims in the country and providing Iftar for them, I think it would set them in a good direction to start researching and learning more. 

How can the British government and institutions further engage with Muslim communities during Ramadan and beyond? What kind of initiatives would you like to see in the future? 

Definitely spaces for Tarahweeh prayers.  

I do know a lot of Muslim communities struggle to rent out halls and find enough space, even if they want to do community Iftars like the one we have here at Kingston. 

Maybe some government programmes will help with that in Ramadan.