Windsor Castle Opens St George's Hall for Ramadan Observance

Over the weekend, Windsor Castle made history by hosting its first-ever Ramadan event inside St George’s Hall.

More than 360 guests from diverse backgrounds gathered for Iftar, the evening meal that marks the breaking of the fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Although the royal residence in Berkshire welcomed attendees for Iftar for the first time last year, this year's event was a significant upgrade, moving from the Learning Centre to the grand setting of St George’s Hall.

According to the Royal Collection Trust website: "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."

The free-to-attend event began with a self-guided tour of the State Apartments, after which guests gathered in St George’s Hall—where State banquets are traditionally held—for a special Iftar meal.

Organized by the award-winning charity Ramadan Tent Project in partnership with the Royal Collection Trust, Open Iftar will continue to host similar gatherings across the UK in the coming weeks, including at Shakespeare’s Globe and Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of the Ramadan Tent Project, described the experience as both surreal and deeply meaningful. He emphasized that sharing the holy month of Ramadan at Windsor Castle—one of the world’s most iconic royal landmarks—was a powerful moment that brought people of all faiths and backgrounds together. He added that the event highlights Britain’s rich cultural diversity and promotes values of community, belonging, and inclusion.

Omar Salha expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to once again host Open Iftar at some of Britain’s most renowned and cherished venues.

He noted that the overwhelming interest from new partners and locations across London and the UK serves as a meaningful tribute to Ramadan.

Salha highlighted the deep significance of Ramadan for millions of people in the UK and around the world, describing it as a period of introspection, reflection, and self-discipline. He emphasized that it is a time to strengthen connections with family and friends through worship, acts of service, and charity.

Expressing appreciation for those involved, he added, “We are incredibly grateful to our partners, sponsors, and volunteers for their support in helping the Ramadan Tent Project bring people together and turn strangers into friends.”

Meanwhile, Simon Maples, Visitor Operations Director at Royal Collection Trust, reflected on the success of the event. He recalled how the first Open Iftar at Windsor Castle took place last year in the Learning Centre and expressed excitement about this year’s upgrade to St George’s Hall.

“This year, we are hosting the event in St George’s Hall, the largest and most magnificent of the Castle’s State Apartments, where State Banquets are traditionally held. This allows us to welcome over 350 guests to share an Iftar meal in this historic setting,” Maples stated.

He described the event as a wonderful opportunity to bring together members of the local community and people from all faiths and backgrounds. He also emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Royal Collection Trust’s mission to make the Palaces and the Royal Collection accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Simon Maples emphasized that organizing the event was a collaborative effort, with colleagues across Windsor Castle working closely with the Ramadan Tent Project to bring the special gathering to life.

Meanwhile, King Charles recently welcomed his first dog in over two decades, as he and Queen Camilla introduced two new puppies to the Royal Family.

The 76-year-old monarch received a Lagotto Romagnolo puppy named Snuff as a gift four weeks ago and is said to be completely smitten with the new addition.

Queen Camilla, 77, also revealed this week that she has adopted a rescue puppy named Moley, following the heartbreaking loss of her beloved Jack Russell, Beth, a few months ago.

Snuff, a breed originally from Italy known for its truffle-hunting abilities, is King Charles’ first pet dog in about 20 years.

Previously, the King had a Jack Russell named Tigga, whom he adopted after starting a family with Princess Diana. Tigga was a cherished companion until passing away in 2002 at the age of 18.

A source told The Sun that Charles is deeply attached to his new puppy.

It is believed that Snuff was a personal gift and has no connection to the King and Queen’s upcoming visit to Ravenna in northern Italy, where the breed originates.

A source shared that King Charles is “besotted” with his new puppy, Snuff, noting that he hasn’t had a dog since his Jack Russell, Tigga. The Lagotto Romagnolo breed, known for its truffle-hunting skills, is a perfect match for the King, who enjoys mushroom foraging.

The Kennel Club explains that the breed’s name, Lagotto Romagnolo, reflects its origins. "Lagotto" is an Italian dialect term meaning "curly-coated duck retriever," while "Romagnolo" refers to the region in northern Italy where the breed was developed, a marshy area once populated by ducks. As the marshes were drained in the early 20th century and the ducks disappeared, the Lagotto’s role as a retriever declined. However, its excellent scenting ability has since been harnessed for truffle hunting, its primary use today in Italy. The breed was officially recognized by the Italian Kennel Club in 1991 and is still a newcomer to the UK, where it has been tested in gundog working trials.

Queen Camilla also confirmed the adoption of a new puppy last week, revealing she has brought home an eight-week-old rescue named Moley. The pup, which she says resembles a mole, is believed to have been rehomed from the renowned Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where Camilla previously adopted her dogs Beth and Bluebell in 2011 and 2012.

Camilla was left devastated when her Jack Russell, Beth, passed away in November. Afterward, during a visit to the Royal Variety Performance, King Charles mentioned to TV presenter Amanda Holden that they were planning to get a new dog.

The Queen shared the joyful news while affectionately petting a guide dog during an event at the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury. A spokesperson from Battersea confirmed that they had recently rehomed an eight-week-old Jack Russell Terrier cross, named Moley, to Her Majesty. The Queen has been a long-time supporter of Battersea and has previously adopted two rescue dogs from the charity.