This marks the second consecutive year the royal residence has held such an event, though the 2024 event took place in the Learning Centre. St George's Hall is a venue known for hosting state banquets. St. George is a Christian saint and martyr, best known as the patron saint of England. He is believed to have been a Roman soldier who lived during the 3rd century AD and was executed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith under the rule of Emperor Diocletian.
The Royal Collection Trust had announced the event with an invitation on its website, stating: "Break fast with us this Ramadan at Windsor Castle! Open to people of all faiths and none, join us for a visit to the majestic State Apartments, followed by a meal after sunset in the magnificent St George's Hall."
Attendees began the evening with a self-guided tour of the State Apartments before proceeding to St George’s Hall for the Iftar meal, reports Daily Mail. The event was organized in partnership with the Ramadan Tent Project, a charity that promotes community engagement through Open Iftar gatherings. Similar events will take place in other notable locations across the UK, including Shakespeare's Globe and Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of the Ramadan Tent Project, highlighted the significance of the occasion, stating: "Breaking our fast and marking the holy month of Ramadan at Windsor Castle, one of the most famous and iconic royal landmarks in the world, is an incredibly surreal and poignant moment to share with people of all faiths and none."
"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 at the Royal Collection Trust, said "After the success of hosting our first Open Iftar event last year in the Castle's Learning Centre, we were delighted to be able to work with Ramadan Tent Project again this year," he said.
He also noted the expansion of the event to a more prestigious venue within the castle. "Even more excitingly, this year we are hosting the event in St George's Hall, the largest of the Castle's magnificent State Apartments, where State Banquets usually take place – meaning that we can welcome more than 350 guests to share an Iftar meal together in this historic setting," reports BBC.
"It's very kind of the Royal Family to open their home to us," one woman told the outlet.
Maples highlighted the event’s alignment with the Royal Collection Trust’s mission to make royal sites accessible to diverse communities. "The event has been a fantastic opportunity to welcome people from the local community and those of all faiths and backgrounds to the Castle, in support of Royal Collection Trust's charitable aim to ensure that the Palaces and the Royal Collection can be enjoyed by everyone," he said.
