King Charles has visited the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies to commemorate the institution's fortieth anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the centre's mission to bridge Western and Islamic academic traditions.
The monarch, who has served as the centre's Patron since 1993, officially opened the newly designated King Charles III Wing during Thursday's ceremony.
The visit also saw the launch of the King Charles III Programme, a comprehensive initiative that will encompass fellowships, leadership development for young Muslims, environmental conferences, and various scholarship opportunities.
The anniversary celebration brought together prominent figures including Dr Nizami, the centre's Director, Lord Hague, Chancellor of Oxford University, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Professor Irene Tracey, Oxford's Vice Chancellor.
Getty
|King Charles unveils wing named in his honour at Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.
Founded in 1985, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies serves as a crucial meeting point between Western and Islamic academic communities, contributing to multidisciplinary studies of the Islamic world.
The institution received a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, cementing its status as a leading academic centre.
The King's relationship with the centre spans over three decades.
As Prince of Wales in 1993, he delivered the centre's inaugural lecture titled "Islam and the West," which established the Distinguished Lecture Series.
Reuters
|The King's relationship with the centre spans over three decades.
This prestigious series has since hosted heads of state, government leaders and internationally recognised scholars.
During his previous visit as Prince of Wales, the King inaugurated the centre's purpose-built facility on Marston Road.
The complex features a library, lecture theatres, exhibition spaces and gardens arranged around traditional Oxford quadrangles, including the King Charles III Garden.
The anniversary event commenced in the centre's auditorium before an audience of trustees, students, alumni and interfaith representatives.
Reuters
|Dr Nizami opened proceedings with a brief address, followed by remarks from His Majesty.
LATEST ROYAL NEWS:
Reuters
|This wing will house the new King Charles III Programme.
Dr Nizami opened proceedings with a brief address, followed by remarks from His Majesty.
The King then participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, formally opening the King Charles III Wing.
This wing will house the new King Charles III Programme, consolidating various initiatives inspired by the monarch, including the King Charles III Fellowship, Young Muslim Leadership Programme, and conferences addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability.
Following the ceremony, His Majesty toured the ground floor of the newly named wing before proceeding to the King Charles III Garden. There he joined a reception with academics, interfaith representatives, trustees and committee members.