Windsor Castle’s State Apartments welcomed an open iftar event, marking a historic milestone in the 1,000-year-old royal residence’s legacy. The gathering, held on Sunday in the grand St George’s Hall, brought together over 360 guests from diverse backgrounds to break their Ramadan fast in one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks. Organized by the Ramadan Tent Project (RTP) in collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust, the event highlighted the UK’s commitment to religious diversity, interfaith dialogue, and inclusivity.
A Royal First in St George’s Hall
On Sunday, guests gathered in St George’s Hall, Windsor Castle’s largest and most prestigious banquet space, to break their fast together. The hall, originally constructed in the 14th century during the reign of King Edward III, is renowned for hosting state banquets and welcoming world leaders. This was the first time in history that an iftar had been held inside the castle’s State Apartments, making the event an extraordinary occasion.
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The evening followed traditional Ramadan customs, with the call to prayer signaling the end of the fast. Attendees ate dates, performed their prayers, and shared a meal in the grand setting, making it an unforgettable experience for many.
King Charles’ Support for Interfaith Engagement
While King Charles III was not in attendance, sources confirmed that he was “kept aware of” and “supportive” of the gathering. The King, who has long championed religious diversity and interfaith dialogue, has been vocal about his commitment to fostering unity among different communities.
Last year, Windsor Castle hosted its first-ever iftar, though that event took place in the Learning Centre rather than the castle’s grand State Apartments. This year’s gathering in St George’s Hall represented a significant step forward in making Britain’s royal institutions more accessible and inclusive.
Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, praised the King’s support, stating, “The King is an excellent ambassador for this cause and is committed to community cohesion.”
Fostering Community and Inclusivity
Since its inception, RTP’s open iftar initiative has welcomed over a million people across the UK, encouraging interfaith engagement and cultural exchange. By hosting its 2025 event at Windsor Castle, the initiative reached a new milestone, reinforcing Britain’s dedication to inclusivity.
Salha described the moment as “incredibly surreal and poignant,” adding, “It serves as a powerful reminder of how proud we are to represent a pillar of Britain’s rich cultural ecology, celebrating community, belonging, and inclusion.”
Simon Maples, Visitor Operations Director for Windsor Castle, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the event as an opportunity to “welcome people from the local community and those of all faiths and backgrounds.”
A Night to Remember
For many attendees, breaking their fast in one of the world’s most famous royal residences was a deeply moving experience. “It’s an amazing atmosphere—it just doesn’t feel real,” one guest told the BBC. Another reflected on the historical significance, saying, “To mix my Muslim identity with that historical knowledge is a real privilege.”
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A woman who studied history at university added, “I never thought I would open my fast in Windsor Castle. This is a memory of a lifetime.” Others expressed gratitude towards the Royal Family for opening their home for the occasion. One attendee even extended an invitation to the King: “Any day, any time. We’ve got Ramadan for 30 days. Let me know when you’re ready.”