The Royal Family has wished Muslims in the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world a “blessed and peaceful Ramadan”, prompting a largely positive response from followers – though the timing of the message sparked debate among fans.
The message was accompanied by a graphic reading “Ramadan Mubarak”, an Arabic phrase meaning “Blessed Ramadan”.
In a post shared on X by the Royal Family’s official account, Buckingham Palace said: “Wishing all Muslims in the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.”
Ramadan 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.
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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.”
Another responded: “Thank you, Your Majesty – Ramadan Mubarak to all our Muslim faithfuls.”
Others praised the King directly, with one user posting: “Thank you, His Majesty, Ramadan Mubarak to all.”
A fourth added: “If the world truly embraced the spirit of Ramadan, imagine the peace we could create.”
Royal Family Ramadan message on Shrove Tuesday sparks debate among fans
|GETTY / X: ROYAL FAMILY
The post also drew support from international followers, with messages of “Ramadan Kareem” and thanks to the Royal Family appearing throughout the replies.
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”.
Another asked: “Where’s the happy wishing for Christians for Shrove Tuesday?”
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There was a divided reaction to the Royal Family Ramadan post
|X: ROYAL FAMILY
The King serves as Supreme Governor of the Church of England and attends weekly Mass. In addition, the monarch delivers a Christmas message every year, a tradition dating back to 1932, which is explicitly tied to the Christian festival of Christmas.
The Royal Family's social media account also frequently acknowledges Christian celebrations, including Easter last year, with the following message: “He is Risen! Wishing a peaceful and happy Easter Sunday to all who celebrate.”
While maintaining his constitutional role within the Church of England, the King, 77, has consistently emphasised the importance of supporting people of all faiths.
In his 2025 Easter message, he spoke of the value of “bridges of understanding between religions” and has previously attended interfaith events, visited mosques and hosted receptions for Muslim community leaders during Ramadan.
As Prince of Wales, Charles was known for his long-standing interest in Islam and frequently spoke about the importance of religious harmony - pictured here in 1996
|GETTY
As Prince of Wales, Charles was known for his long-standing interest in Islam and frequently spoke about the importance of religious harmony.
Since becoming King, he has continued to highlight Britain’s multi-faith society while maintaining his constitutional role within the Church of England.
The social media post reflects the Royal Family’s broader approach of recognising major religious festivals observed across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Ramadan began this week and will run for around a month, depending on the sighting of the moon, before concluding with Eid celebrations.