'Amazing atmosphere' at Windsor Castle Iftar event

For the first time in its 1,000-year history, an open Iftar event has been hosted in Windsor Castle's State Apartments.

On Sunday, more than 350 people gathered in St George's Hall to break their Ramadan fast.

"It's an amazing atmosphere - it just doesn't feel real," one attendee told the BBC.

The holy month of Ramadan, which began over the weekend, sees Muslims fast and refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset.

The free event was organised by London-based charity Ramadan Tent Project.

Simon Maples, visitor operations director at Windsor Castle, said the King had been "championing religious diversity and encouraging interfaith conversation" for many years.

St George's Hall is normally used to entertain heads of state and for special banquets.

On Sunday the call to prayer echoed throughout the building to signal the time to break the fast. Dates were eaten and prayers said before the meal was served.

"It's very kind of the Royal Family to open their home to us," one woman told the BBC.

Another added: "We never thought we'd be here breaking Iftar. We've come a long way."

For those who ate in His Majesty's Windsor home, it was a memory of a lifetime.

"I studied history at university, so to actually open my fast in Windsor Castle is not something I ever thought I would do," another woman said.

"To mix my Muslim identity with that historical knowledge is a real privilege."

Another attendee said: "I've never been to Windsor Castle before, so this is an awesome experience. The first time to be here and to do it in a Islamic way - amazing."

Another invited the King to join them for dinner during the religious month.

"Any day, any time," they said. "We've got Ramadan for 30 days. Let me know when you're ready."

"The King is an excellent ambassador for this cause and is committed to community cohesion," said Omar Salha, founder and chief executive of Ramadan Tent Project.

"We are incredibly grateful for his support towards the British Muslim community."

Iftars are open to everyone, regardless of faith and background. they are taking place across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for the entire month.

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