His Majesty King Charles III visited the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies to mark two significant milestones: the naming of the King Charles III Wing and the launch of the King Charles III Programme. The event, held at the centre’s Marston Road campus, was a momentous occasion for both the institution and the King, who has long had a close relationship with the centre. Since becoming its Patron in 1993, the King has supported the centre’s mission to foster dialogue between Western and Islamic scholarship.
The celebration was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Lord Hague, Chancellor of Oxford University, and Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of Oxford University. The King’s visit was also symbolic of his deep commitment to the centre’s values. The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, established in 1985, serves as a bridge between Western and Islamic scholarship, contributing significantly to the multi-disciplinary study of the Islamic world. Its influence was further solidified in 2012 when it was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth II.
King Charles’s connection to the centre is longstanding and meaningful. In 1993, as Prince of Wales, he delivered the inaugural lecture titled “Islam and the West,” which laid the foundation for the centre’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Later, he officially opened the centre’s permanent home, a purpose-built facility that includes the King Charles III Garden, a nod to his enduring support.
During his visit, the King formally opened the newly renamed King Charles III Wing by cutting a ribbon, a gesture that signified his lasting legacy with the institution. The wing will house the King Charles III Programme, a comprehensive initiative aimed at consolidating various activities inspired by the King’s vision. This includes the King Charles III Fellowship, the Young Muslim Leadership Programme, and conferences addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability.
The event brought together trustees, students, alumni, and interfaith representatives. Dr. Nizami, the Director of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, delivered an address before His Majesty took the floor to speak to the gathering. The King’s remarks highlighted the importance of education, interfaith dialogue, and global cooperation in addressing the pressing issues of the contemporary world. The visit concluded with a reception held in the King Charles III Garden, offering a fitting conclusion to a day that celebrated both the centre’s achievements and the King’s continued influence on its growth and vision.
As part of its ongoing mission, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies continues to host world leaders, renowned scholars, and prominent figures through its Distinguished Lecture Series, which has been a hallmark of the centre for over three decades. The centre’s ability to bring together voices from around the world in academic and diplomatic discourse underscores its pivotal role in fostering global understanding and dialogue.
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