King Charles' bold decision sparks reactions: 1,000-year tradition shattered

King Charles III has set an example of harmony and peace with his bold move, attracting huge praise from fans.

The 76-year-old monarch took a decisive step as he hosted an open Iftar (Ramadan meal) at Windsor Castle this year for the first time in its 1,000-year history.

Windsor Castle invited Muslims to have Iftar in its state apartments, marking the breaking of the fast for the community during Ramadan.

The Royal Collection Trust, which manages the royal palaces, released details of the event in its annual report on Tuesday, noting that “inclusion and diversity was a key priority this year” as it hosted several religious and other celebrations.

The Iftar, held in March, was organised with the Ramadan Tent Project and brought 350 guests to St George’s Hall. Two reciters from Maidenhead Mosque gave the call to prayer from the hall’s balcony.

Simon Maples, visitor operations director at Windsor Castle, said at the time that the King had been “championing religious diversity and encouraging inter-faith conversation” for many years.

Omar Salha, founder and chief executive of the Ramadan Tent Project, added: “The King is an excellent ambassador for this cause and is committed to community cohesion. We are incredibly grateful for his support towards the British Muslim community.”

In the report, Royal Collection Trust director Tim Knox said the Iftar meal had been held "with the King’s permission".

He continued: "Such momentous events, alongside initiatives including the £1 ticket offer at The King’s Galleries, and its trial scheme at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, go some way to achieving our aim of finding welcoming and inclusive ways for everyone to enjoy the collection."

Trust director Tim Knox continued: "Our ambitions continue to grow with ongoing audience development and learning and community projects helping us to understand more about the audiences who don’t currently visit our sites and how we can encourage them to do so."

King Charles III's recent decisions have sent shockwaves of love and appreciation across the world.