King Charles and Queen Camilla marked three decades since the opening of west London's renowned Hindu Neasden Temple with a ceremonial visit on Wednesday.
Their Majesties received traditional flower garlands whilst extending festive greetings to the congregation at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
The royals offered their good wishes for Diwali, acknowledging the recent celebration of the festival of lights on October 20.
Devotees at the Neasden Temple welcomed the pair during anniversary commemorations at the sacred site.
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Hindu temple a week after Diwali
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This appearance represented the King's fourth time at the temple, demonstrating his longstanding connection with the Hindu community in Britain.
Priests clad in vibrant orange vestments welcomed the couple with traditional honours at the temple entrance.
They draped necklaces of roses and carnations over the royal visitors as part of the ceremonial reception.
The religious leaders also performed the ritual of tying a nada chadi around the King and Queen's right wrists.
The temple stands as a masterpiece of traditional Hindu architecture
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A priest explained to His Majesty that these sacred threads symbolise "our bonds remain ever sweet", marking the spiritual connection between the temple and its distinguished guests.
These customary gestures formed part of the formal welcome extended to the King and Queen during their visit to the architectural marvel on the occasion of their anniversary.
The temple stands as a masterpiece of traditional Hindu architecture, constructed entirely without the use of structural steel, adhering to ancient Vedic design principles.
Its elaborate stonework features intricately carved figures that showcase exceptional craftsmanship and religious devotion throughout the building's ceilings and pillars.
King Charles and Queen Camilla sent their good wishes for Diwali
|PA
Skilled craftspeople in India meticulously hand-carved the marble and limestone components before shipping them to London for assembly.
The construction project united thousands of volunteers and benefactors from Britain and beyond, who collaborated to piece together the pre-carved elements.
The resulting structure has become an iconic landmark in west London, representing both architectural excellence and community dedication over its thirty-year history.
The monarch's relationship with the temple spans nearly three decades, beginning with his initial visit in 1996.
Queen Camilla smiles as she watches a spiritual ceremony
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He returned five years later for another solo engagement in 2001, strengthening his ties with the Hindu community.
In 2009, he brought Camilla along during their time as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, introducing her to the spiritual significance of the site.
Wednesday's anniversary celebration, therefore, marked both a milestone for the temple and the continuation of the King's enduring association with this centre of Hindu worship.
His repeated visits underscore the importance of interfaith dialogue within his royal duties.
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