King Charles’s role as Defender of the Faith has been called into question after an “Islamic call to prayer” was held at Windsor Castle.
The royal residence opened its doors for the first open Iftar in the State Apartments’ 1,000-year history.
More than 360 Muslim guests gathered in St George’s Hall on Sunday to break their Ramadan fast.
The free event was organised by the Ramadan Tent Project (RTP), a UK charity, with support from the Royal Collection Trust.
King Charles’s role called into question over ‘Islamic call to prayer’ at Windsor Castle
Getty / X
King Charles, who has long promoted interfaith dialogue, was “kept aware of” and “supportive” of the gathering, according to a source.
The social media account Christian Concern posted a video to social media showing an Islamic call to prayer being held at the royal residence.
They captioned the post: “An Islamic call to prayer sounds through Windsor Castle while the King hosts Ramadan fast-breaking event…”
One royal watcher replied: “It’s disgraceful.”
Muslims celebrated Iftar at Windsor CastleRoyal Collection TrustAnother added: “Where is our Defender of THE Faith?!”
Someone else posted: “This is appalling!”
However, many social media users defended the inclusive move to celebrate other religions at Windsor Castle.
For instance, one account clarified: “We all worship the same God!”
The King is understood to have been ‘supportive’ of the eventRamadan Tent ProjectLATEST ROYAL NEWS:
King Charles ‘kept aware’ as Muslims break Ramadan fast inside Windsor CastleGetty / Ramadan Tent Project
One attendee told the BBC: “It’s an amazing atmosphere – it just doesn’t feel real.”
Another person added: “It’s very kind of the Royal Family to open their home to us.”
Additionally, someone commented: “We never thought we’d be here breaking Iftar. We’ve come a long way.”
Finally, an attendee said: “I’ve never been to Windsor Castle before, so this is an awesome experience. The first time to be here and to do it in a Islamic way – amazing.”