King Charles hailed Europe's first eco-mosque as "magnificent" and "architecturally wonderful" during a visit to the award-winning building in Cambridge on Monday, just hours after appointing Andy Burnham as the new Prime Minister.
Eco-Mosque Features Sustainable Design
The King toured the mosque, which opened in 2019, and praised its sustainability features, including air-source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, and photovoltaic arrays. The building, designed by London-based Marks Barfield Architects, stays cool without air conditioning despite temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius in the city.
The mosque's interior features tree-like columns that form an octagonal lattice vault, referencing the Gothic fan-vaulting of nearby King's College Chapel. Charles called the structure "architecturally wonderful" and noted the care and attention lavished on it.
Interfaith Dialogue and Community Engagement
The mosque actively promotes interfaith dialogue across Cambridgeshire. During his visit, Charles met with imams, trustees, and faith leaders from the city who have supported the place of worship. He also spoke with school children who attend religious classes at the mosque.
The mosque considers itself an example of the vital role religious communities can play in the shared human struggle against global warming. Aspects of Muslim teaching on care for the planet were discussed during the visit.
King's Remarks and Plaque Unveiling
After unveiling a plaque to commemorate his visit, 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."
He added: "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."
Visit to Whittle Laboratory
After the mosque visit, Charles traveled a few miles to officially open the new Whittle Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. The £58 million laboratory aims to halve the time needed to develop technologies for achieving net zero aviation. The King unveiled a plaque to mark the visit.
Appointment of New Prime Minister
Charles's day began in London, where he accepted the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer after just over two years in office. He then appointed Andy Burnham as Prime Minister in a ceremony known as 'kissing hands,' which in practice involves a slight head bow and a handshake. The King traveled over 100 miles from Highgrove House to Buckingham Palace and then 60 miles north to Cambridge for the engagements.
