The Royal Family has issued a message to those celebrating Ash Wednesday today, a calendar date that marks the beginning of Lent, the lead-up to Easter.
The message, which included a graphic of Jesus Christ's cross, was sent one day after a similar post to Muslims celebrating Ramadan, a 30-day period of fasting.
Writing on X, the Royal Family's social media team posted: "Today marks Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent - a season of reflection, prayer, and service.
"May this Lent be a time of renewal for all who observe it."
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Many royal fans were delighted by the message, with one replying: "Wishing all observing Lent reflection and renewal."
Another said: "Thank you :) I’m giving up chocolate for Lent. It’s going to be difficult as I’m addicted.
"I do intend to use Lent to reflect, pray and continue to serve within my community."
A third commented: "Thank you for marking it this year. We are a Christian nation, and it’s important to share our faith."
Royal Family issues Ash Wednesday message to 'all who observe it' just one day after Ramadan post
|X: ROYAL FAMILY / GETTY
A fourth added: "I was eagerly awaiting this tweet. Finally…"
However, some social media users were disappointed by the omission of the word "Christians".
For example, one said: "From your previous post I could clearly see that you were wishing the Muslims a peaceful Ramadan.
"But for Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, you downgraded it to a season for ALL WHO OBSERVE IT. Who is ALL? Do you not know or you just cannot say?"
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Royal fans had a divided message to the King's Ash Wednesday message
|X: ROYAL FAMILY
Another quipped: "Christians observe this or have you forgotten?"
A third posted: "As the monarch of our United Kingdom, to say, 'to all those who observe it', is unacceptable & utterly disgraceful!!"
Finally, someone said: "'May Lent be a time of renewal for all Christians' - is what I think you meant?"
On Tuesday, the Royal Family’s official X account posted: “Wishing all Muslims in the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”
There was a divided reaction to the Royal Family Ramadan post | X: ROYAL FAMILYRamadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, charity and reflection. The month culminates in the festival of Eid al-Fitr.
The message was warmly received by many social media users, with one writing: “Ramadan Mubarak to all Muslims, may this month bring peace, reflection and countless blessings.”
However, the message prompted criticism from some royal supporters, who noted it was shared on Shrove Tuesday – the Christian day of reflection and preparation before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.
Several users questioned why there had been no equivalent message marking the Christian observance, with one writing that it “would have been nice to see a message on Shrove Tuesday… before the start of Lent”.