Britain's King Charles, Queen Camilla Visit Indian Restaurant, Pack Dates For Ramadan | Watch

Last Updated:February 28, 2025, 15:09 IST

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were seen packing dates to be sent to hospitals to break the Ramadan fast. They also interacted with British Muslim women and helped pack biryani.

King Charles and Queen Camilla pack dates to be sent to hospitals during Ramadan. (Reuters)

Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla were spotted at an Indian restaurant in London to help prepare for the holy month of Ramadan. The royal couple was seen helping pack dates to be sent to hospitals for Iftar during the holy month.

The monarchs were spotted at the Darjeeling Express, a popular Indian restaurant in London, on February 26 to help prepare boxes of dates that are eaten at sunset to break the Ramadan fast. A video of their visit was uploaded on The Royal Family’s X page.

“Packing dates at Darjeeling Express! Traditionally, dates are eaten as the first food to break the fast at sunset during Ramadan. Their Majesties helped pack dates that will be sent to local hospitals for Iftar during the holy month," read the caption of the post.

“I did not realise the King would be so fast. You are packing dates faster than I can seal them," quipped Asma Khan, the chef and owner of the Darjeeling Express, eliciting laughs from the King and onlookers. King Charles, who is known for his sharp wit, replied by saying, “I don’t waste time."

“I never realised this is a speedy couple," Khan playfully remarked, drawing even more laughs. The royal couple also interacted with British Muslim women at the restaurant as they prepare for Ramadan.

The King and the Queen also stepped into the kitchen of the Darjeeling Express, where they helped Khan and the all-female kitchen to prepare and pack boxes of biryani. These meals were delivered to Doorstep, an organisation that supports families searching for permanent housing.

“Their Majesties joined the restaurant’s all-female kitchen team to pack biryani into boxes. These will be given to families supported by Doorstep, as part of Darjeeling Express’ commitment to cook for charitable causes every Ramadan," read the caption of the Instagram post by the royal couple.

In another light-hearted moment, the Queen was seen scolding the King after he wandered off while chatting with guests. “I think my husband is supposed to be doing this," she said, laughing. “Gentleman, we are waiting!" She also waved at him and coughed loudly to get his attention.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the holiest periods for Muslims around the world. In 2025, the global Muslim community anticipates a rare alignment in the moon sighting for the beginning of Ramadan.

For the first time in recent years, Muslims in countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and those in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, will be looking for the crescent moon on the same day.

The holy month of Ramadan is expected on the evening of February 28 (Friday) for the sighting of the crescent moon.

London, United Kingdom (UK)

News world Britain's King Charles, Queen Camilla Visit Indian Restaurant, Pack Dates For Ramadan | Watch