The King and Queen brought joy and laughter to an Indian restaurant in London as they served curry to guests ahead of Ramadan. The royal couple visited the female-run Darjeeling Express on Carnaby Street, where they ladled curry into cardboard boxes and even helped pack dates into paper bags for the fast-breaking evening meal.
The Queen was seen giggling as she took turns with her husband digging into huge vats of steaming biryani. She went first, asking if she should take a bit from the top or dig right into the bottom. When given a second cardboard box, she laughed and said she thought her husband was supposed to be doing the serving.
The King soon joined her behind the counter, chuckling, and asked if the curry was chicken and proper basmati rice. The monarch was delighted when he was told that some of the curry was being sent to the palace for him to try later. Throughout Ramadan, Darjeeling Express delivers food to hospitals and the homeless, with the restaurant's entire proceeds going to charity during the holy month.
The King and Queen also helped pack dates into white paper bags to be sent for Iftaar. Traditionally, dates are eaten as the first food to break the fast at sunset, following the example of the Prophet Mohammed. The King asked if each person would only get one date, and the restaurant owner, Asma Khan, exclaimed that the King was packing the dates faster than she could seal them.
The King and Queen's visit to the restaurant was a heartwarming moment ahead of Ramadan, showcasing their dedication to giving back to the community. Their lighthearted and humorous interactions with the guests and restaurant owner added to the festive atmosphere, making the event a memorable one.