King Charles praised Europe's first eco-mosque as a 'remarkable example of integrated faith activity' during a visit to Cambridge on 20 July 2026. The monarch toured the award-winning Cambridge Central Mosque, meeting community leaders, imams, trustees, and other faith representatives.
Eco-Friendly Design and Features
The mosque, designed by Marks Barfield Architects, features photovoltaic arrays, air-source heat pumps, a sedum roof, natural ventilation, and timber from sustainably managed forests. These innovations eliminate the need for air conditioning, keeping the building cool despite 25°C temperatures. The King showed particular interest in the Community Garden and the mosque's sustainability credentials.
Julia Barfield, Director of Marks Barfield, and Timothy Winter, Chair of the Trust, accompanied the King during his visit. The mosque's design incorporates elements inspired by King's College Chapel's fan-vaulting and local Romsey brickwork.
Interfaith and Community Role
Charles, known for his long-standing support of interfaith relations, removed his shoes before entering the main prayer room. There, he met local community groups and school children attending religious classes. The mosque actively promotes interfaith dialogue across Cambridgeshire and hosts the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Trustees highlighted the mosque's role in attracting global talent to Cambridge, boosting the city's economy and international reputation. The King described the building as 'magnificent' and 'architecturally wonderful'.
Royal Commemoration and Remarks
After unveiling a plaque, the 77-year-old monarch said: 'The care and attention that you have lavished on it, and the fact that you have a purpose built mosque here with a community centre attached, makes a huge contribution I'm sure. Not only to the Muslim community but to Cambridge itself. So, I do congratulate you, and I pray with all my heart that you continue to have every possible success and you continue your work with other faiths in this area and set a remarkable example of integrated faith activity. Thank you for having me here today.'
Trustees Respond
Abdal Hakim Murad, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: 'For the thriving and diverse Muslim community in Cambridge, The King's visit represented a heartening affirmation of our mosque's commitment to Muslim integration into modern Britain, and to strengthening fraternal ties between religions.' He added: 'We were really delighted to be able to show The King the cutting-edge sustainable technologies which make our mosque a symbol of the shared human fight against climate change.'
Trustee Zeynep Coskun Koc reflected: 'Fourteen years ago, when I first became involved in the Cambridge Mosque Project as a young graduate student at the University of Cambridge, this mosque was just a shared dream on paper. Today, it is a global beacon of inclusivity, where we hosted His Majesty The King. Serving as a trustee and helping steward the partnership between the Diyanet Foundation and the Cambridge Mosque Trust has been the honour of a lifetime. This visit celebrates not just a building, but the powerful bridge of faith, collaboration, and community empowerment we built together.'
