Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London – popularly known as ‘Neasden Temple’ – to mark the Temple’s 30th anniversary, coinciding with Diwali and the Hindu New Year celebrations on Wednesday 29 October.
Their Majesties were welcomed by Jitu Patel, Chair of the Board of Trustees. This was Their Majesties’ first visit to the Mandir as King and Queen, following previous visits as the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, reflecting the Royal Family’s longstanding and warm relationship with the Mandir and the BAPS Hindu community.
Since its opening in 1995, Neasden Temple has become an internationally acclaimed spiritual and cultural landmark, welcoming millions of visitors and worshippers from around the world and contributing to British society through initiatives in child and youth development, elderly welfare, health, and humanitarian relief.
During their visit, Their Majesties met volunteers and community members and learned about the Temple’s charitable work, including its longstanding partnership with The Felix Project – a London-based charity that redistributes surplus food to alleviate hunger for the vulnerable – which also forms a part of His Majesty’s Coronation Food Project.
Along their tour, Their Majesties also learned about the upcoming BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris – the first traditional Hindu temple in France – opening next September, while meeting key members of the project team.
Yogvivekdas Swami, Head Swami of the Temple, remarked, “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 their continuing interest in our services for the community.”
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, 92, the spiritual leader of BAPS worldwide, conveyed his prayers and blessings through a video message sent from India. He said, “Across your decades of public service, you have valued faith and fostered harmony between religions, and your presence today is a testament to that.”
In a personal letter, His Holiness added, “May all of the UK continue to progress and prosper.”
REACTIONS FROM ATTENDEES WHO MET THE ROYALS AT NEASDEN TEMPLE
“The atmosphere during the Royal visit to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan mandir, Neasden was positive and welcoming, and the event was beautifully planned from start to finish. I was honoured to be invited to speak to the Queen about the long-standing partnership between the British Museum and Neasden Mandir. This has involved collaborations on a range of projects and events at the museum, including at Diwali. Her Majesty was interested and curious about my work with Neasden, asking questions about what it entailed, and even wanted to come and see the exhibition which was lovely!
“Most recently, our partnership with Neasden focused on my exhibition ‘Ancient India: living traditions’ which also inspired the museum’s high profile Pink Ball. Tilak Parekh a PhD student at Cambridge University who is also associated with the mandir joined our Community Advisory panel which was made up of practicing Hindus, Buddhists and Jains from the UK’s diaspora communities. Over two years we all worked together to inform the exhibition from the display of devotional sculptures to the films showing contemporary religious veneration and practice here in the UK, and even the products sold in the shop.
“I enjoyed the special moment with Her Majesty and the whole event. After the conversation, we all went into the main hall where children waved flags welcoming the King and Queen and sang devotional verses. A message from Mahant Swami Maharaj was shared and gifts given to the Royal couple. It was a wonderful visit and very special to be part of it.”
-Sushma Jansari
Historian and Tabor Foundation Curator, South Asia, British Museum
“Meeting His Majesty King Charles III at BAPS on the 29 November was one of the most touching moments of my life. His gentle presence, humility, and kindness left a deep impression on my heart. It was more than just an honour — it was a moment of inspiration and connection that I will treasure forever
“It was an unforgettable moment. His warmth, grace, and genuine interest in the community deeply moved me. I feel truly honoured and inspired by his presence and his commitment to harmony and service.”
-Jawaharbhai Depala
President, Shree Aden Depala Mita Mandal and Devotees of BAPS
“Feeling truly honoured to have met Her Majesty at BAPS Neasden on 29 October. It was a privilege to share the important work we do to empower and support women. A memorable and inspiring moment I will always cherish.”
-Krishna Pujara
CEO, Enfield-Saheli
