King Charles toured Cambridge Central Mosque on Monday afternoon, where he was met by cheering crowds as he stepped from a maroon Bentley outside the place of worship.
The monarch, 77, explored what is recognised as Europe’s first eco mosque, meeting dignitaries in a paved garden featuring a fountain before heading inside.
He removed his shoes to enter the prayer hall, where he spoke with worshippers and community members.
Describing the visit as a “pleasure,” Charles told those gathered: “If I may say so, I’m so impressed by the quality of the design, of all the care and attention which has been lavished on it, and the fact you have a purpose-built mosque here with the community centre attached.
“It makes a huge contribution, I’m sure, not only to the Muslim community but to Cambridge itself. So I congratulate you, and I pray with all my heart that you continue with every possible success and that you continue your work together with other faiths in this area to set a remarkable example of integrated faith activity.”
The mosque’s website describes its “emphasis on sustainability and high reliance on green energy” as the basis for its eco credentials.
Roof-mounted solar panels generate renewable electricity, while basement heat pumps provide heating and cooling with remarkable efficiency, producing more energy than they consume. Waste water from bathroom sinks and collected rainwater are repurposed to flush toilets and water the grounds.
Large skylights ensure the building receives natural illumination throughout the year, with low-energy LED lighting used only as a supplement.
Mosque trustee Zeynep Coskun highlighted the passive climate control system, noting: “It’s a hot summer day, but it’s still cool inside; it’s all passive heating and cooling.” She called hosting the King “such an honour,” adding that he showed particular interest in the gardens and green features.
During his visit, Charles also unveiled a plaque commemorating 75 years since King George VI granted Cambridge its city status. He was presented with a book about the mosque before departing.
The King shared a lighthearted moment with schoolchildren at the mosque, quipping that he hoped he had not “ruined the holidays too much by dragging you in here.”
On his way back to his car, Charles noticed a group of youngsters holding flowers among the well-wishers lining the street and made his way over to them, trailed by security staff. Angharad Walter, 45, from Cambridge, had brought her nine-year-old daughter Indigo after hearing about the royal visit from a friend.
“We were really surprised when he came over; it was really nice,” Ms Walter said. Indigo called the encounter “amazing,” adding: “He was very nice and kind.”
Later that day, Charles carried out the official opening of the new Whittle Laboratory, a facility dedicated to pioneering innovation in net zero aviation and energy. The King first broke ground on the project in 2023 and had also visited the site in both 2020 and 2022.
The original laboratory, which opened in 1973, was named after Sir Frank Whittle, who established the company behind the invention of the jet engine during his time as a Cambridge undergraduate.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative, which Charles founded in 2020, has played a key role in bringing together cross-sector leaders to back the laboratory, helping to attract investment and encourage collaboration. The new facility positions Cambridge at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise aviation and energy systems.
