Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on
Tuesday visited the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London, to mark
the Temple’s 30th anniversary, coinciding with Diwali and Hindu New Year
celebrations.
The visit underscored the Royal Family’s enduring
relationship with the BAPS Hindu community, which spans more than three
decades. It was the first official visit to the Mandir by Their Majesties since
ascending the throne.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were received by Jitu Patel, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and other senior representatives of the Temple.
The Neasden Temple, opened in 1995, has since become an iconic spiritual and cultural landmark in the United Kingdom, attracting millions of visitors and contributing to society through programmes in youth development, elderly care, health, education, and humanitarian service.
During the visit, Their Majesties met volunteers,
worshippers, and community members who support the Mandir’s charitable
activities.
They learned about the Temple’s long-standing collaboration
with The Felix Project, a London-based charity that redistributes surplus food
to vulnerable communities — a cause that also forms part of His Majesty’s
Coronation Food Project.
The Royal couple were also briefed on the upcoming BAPS
Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris, set to open next September as France’s
first traditional Hindu temple.
Members of the project team shared updates on the cultural and architectural significance of the initiative.
Yogvivekdas Swami, Head Swami of the Temple, welcomed Their
Majesties and expressed gratitude for their ongoing friendship.
“It was an honour for the community to welcome Their
Majesties to Neasden Temple on this historic occasion. We are deeply grateful
for their friendship and continuing interest in our services to the community,”
he said.
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the 92-year-old spiritual
leader of BAPS worldwide, conveyed his blessings through a video message from
India.
“Across your decades of public service, you have valued faith and fostered harmony between religions, and your presence today is a testament to that,” he said.
As Their Majesties departed, they thanked the Temple’s
volunteers for their service and devotion, noting that their efforts sustain
the Mandir’s spiritual and community life throughout the year.
The visit marked another milestone in the King’s long
association with Neasden Temple. His first visit was in 1996, shortly after its
opening, followed by several others, including Diwali and Holi celebrations,
meetings with the Temple’s spiritual leaders, and messages of condolence and
goodwill over the years.
Since its establishment, the Neasden Temple has remained a
centre of faith, service, and harmony, symbolising the values of devotion,
cultural integration, and community spirit within the UK’s diverse society.
