King Charles prepares for Ramadan by packing dates in London

The UK’s royal couple King Charles III and Queen Camilla helped prepare dates on Wednesday for a charity donation ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan at one of London’s best-loved Syrian restaurants.

The royals visited London’s renowned British-Indian restaurant Darjeeling Express, where they were welcomed by the owner, chef Asma Khan.

They also visited Imad’s Syrian Kitchen, a restaurant founded by Imad Alarnab, an entrepreneur who fled the war and arrived in London in 2015, later establishing the eatery in 2020.

Ahead of Ramadan, which will commence this week, the king helped pack dates in boxes, which Muslims typically eat to break their fast at sunset, following the Islamic tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.  

They were joined by staff at the restaurant, who thanked he royal couple for their help and said the dates and boxes of biryani they helped pack would be donated to local communities.

The royals are seeking to participate in more charity events and promote inclusivity as well as show their support to various religious communities in the UK with King Charles known for his engagement with the country’s Muslim community. 

Khan said it was an “honour” to have the king and queen visit the restaurant, adding “their presence today is a beautiful reminder of the importance of compassion, charity and coming together during Ramadan”.

His restaurant, located in central London’s Kingly Court, is run by an all-female team.

Every year during Ramadan, Khan donates the entire proceeds to charity and provides food packages to hospitals.

Following the initiative, the royals met with recipients of a charity that provides goods and services to Muslim communities living in temporary housing.

They also met with Sadiya Ahmed, who helps document the presence and contributions of Muslims in the UK.

After the visit, a statement on the official royal family’s social media pages read: “Ranging from professional athletes to artists and leaders in the corporate world, The King and Queen spent time with a group of extraordinary women as they prepare for Ramadan.”

“Ramadan is a particularly important time for Muslims where daily life continues as normal, but spiritual focus intensifies. To observe Ramadan can mean a range of things; this gathering will be an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and creativity of Muslim women, as well as the beauty of the holy month of Ramadan,” the statement continued.

The visit came on the same day London’s Piccadilly Circus lit up with Ramadan decorations for the third year running.

The Ramadan lights were organised by the Aziz Foundation and were switched on by Sir Sadiq Khan, London’s Mayor.