London witnessed a heartwarming moment of faith and friendship this week as King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the famous BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, better known as the Neasden Temple, to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The royal couple participated in rituals, prayers, and discussions with community members and devotees.
King Charles III And Queen Camilla Visit London’s Iconic Neasden Temple
The King and Queen were welcomed with the customary warmth and hospitality of India when they arrived at the temple on October 29, 2025. At the entrance, they removed their shoes before being greeted with flower garlands tied with pearls. Head Priest Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami performed the nadachadi ceremony, in which a sacred thread is tied on the wrist to symbolise peace, friendship, and unity, The Hindu reported.
As the couple walked through the grand marble halls, they were introduced to the temple’s history: Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple, opened in 1995. The stones were expertly carved by Indian artisans and then transported to London, where hundreds of volunteers and devotees assembled them.
After entering the main assembly hall, the King and Queen joined the devotees in praying and making offerings. The royal couple then watched as schoolchildren performed the Shanti Path, a Vedic prayer for peace in the world. As per the reports from The Hindu, King Charles also took a moment to wish everyone present a “belated Happy Diwali,” drawing smiles and applause from the congregation.
A Day That Celebrated Shared Values
Celebrating 30 years of Neasden Temple!
Earlier today, The King and Queen visited Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple.
During today’s engagement, Their Majesties met worshippers and representatives from community and social impact initiatives supported by the Temple,… pic.twitter.com/b618lJthcU
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 29, 2025
During the event, Sadhu Yogvivekdas Swami welcomed Their Majesties and spoke about the deep values that guide the temple. He called the Mandir “the home of God” and said that over the past 30 years, it has become a crucial part of the country’s religious and cultural landscape, according to The Hindu.
The priest also spoke warmly about King Charles’s long-standing relationship with the temple, recalling his earlier visits as the Prince of Wales in 1996, 2007, and 2009. A special video message from India by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS, was played during the event.
The King and Queen also met representatives from social initiatives supported by the temple, including The Felix Project, which helps redistribute surplus food to those in need, and Women of the World (WoW), which focuses on empowering women and promoting equality, The Hindu reported.
The Royal Family later shared their joy on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Celebrating 30 years of Neasden Temple! Earlier today, the King and Queen visited Europe’s first traditional Hindu stone temple. During today’s engagement, Their Majesties met worshippers and representatives from community and social impact initiatives supported by the Temple.”
For three decades, the Neasden Temple has stood as a proud symbol of harmony, devotion, and service. And with the blessing of time, it continues to unite hearts, from London to Paris and far beyond.
Cover Image Courtesy: The Royal Family/X
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