ISLAMABAD: King Charles III of the UK will be coronated today (Saturday, May 6), at Westminster Abbey, with thousands expected to attend the ceremony. As per tradition, the new monarch will be anointed with holy oil and crowned with the 17th-century St Edward’s Crown.
Among the attendees are representatives of Arab royalty and Muslim leaders who share a close bond with the House of Windsor over the seven-decade reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles III has been known for his affinity for the Arab world and Islam, with his interest leading to the study of the religion in-depth and embracing many of its tenets.
His admiration for the Middle East can be seen in his watercolor paintings, which often draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He has made 12 official visits to Saudi Arabia, seven to the UAE and Kuwait, six to Qatar, and five to Jordan.
King Charles III established The Prince’s Foundation, dedicated to education, heritage appreciation, and creating equal opportunities for youth in the UK and abroad.
King Charles actively opposed Islamophobia
King Charles, has long been known for his interest in Islam and has actively opposed Islamophobia. He has visited Islamic countries, learned Arabic, and even quoted from the Holy Qur’an during a visit to Pakistan in 2006.
In 2020, King Charles visited the Palestinian territories for the first time and expressed his support for their struggle for freedom, justice, and equality.
His stance on Islam is seen as empowering for Muslim communities, especially at a time when Islamophobia and xenophobia are on the rise in the West.
Prince Charles has been vocal in his opposition to the European ban on burqas and has condemned the Danish cartoon that desecrated the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
He has also spoken highly of the Islamic world’s contributions to accumulated wisdom and spiritual knowledge.
While his ascension to the throne may limit his ability to express his opinions, his support for Islam and Muslim communities is unparalleled among Western political figures.
The new monarch’s interest and views on Islam are a hopeful sign, as Islam is the second-largest religion in the UK with more than three million Muslims.
While Charles will no longer be able to express his views freely, he has made his opinion on Islam and the Middle East clear.
Despite his ascension to the throne and the resulting inability to freely express his views, his interest in the Middle East and Islam is expected to continue during his reign.
