King and Queen help pack food donation boxes at restaurant ahead of Ramadan

The King and Queen have helped pack food donation boxes at an Indian restaurant ahead of Ramadan.

Charles and Camilla met a group of Muslim women at Darjeeling Express, a restaurant in Kingly Court in Soho, central London, on Wednesday, including professional rugby player Zainab Alema and author Hajera Memon.

Ms Memon showed the Queen her pop-up book, which Camilla said was “splendid”.

“This is what children really want, they are very tactile,” the Queen said.

Camilla also greeted a mother and two of her daughters who are being supported by Doorstep, a charity which helps families by providing goods and services to make their lives more comfortable as they await permanent housing.

The youngest child curtsied and the Queen said: “How long have you been practising that? That’s a very good curtsy.”

Meanwhile, the King spoke to artists and businesswomen.

Camilla then helped staff in the all-female kitchen team to pack biryani boxes to donate to Doorstep.

Charles joined Camilla, smelling the food and joking about packing a box up for himself.

“Is it proper basmati rice?” he asked the chefs, who confirmed it was.

The King and Queen also met Masterchef winner and doctor Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed.

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 Iftaar during the holy month. pic.twitter.com/C6Fi6v9xwg

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 26, 2025

“You have to go through the most horrendous criticism (on Masterchef),” the King said to Dr Mahmood-Ahmed.

“The rude things they say. I can never get over it,” he laughed.

“But it teaches you,” said Camilla.

The King and Queen also helped pack dates in small bags to be sent to hospitals during Ramadan.

Ramadan is set to begin on Friday evening and will go on until March 30.

Many Muslims will spend a period of 30 days abstaining from food and drink – including water – during daylight hours, as a means of celebrating and reflecting on their faith.

After sunset, the fast-breaking meal iftar is taken.

Dates are eaten for iftar as it is said the Prophet Muhammad broke his fast with the fruit.