Overview
- The King toured Cambridge Central Mosque on Monday, praising its architecture and saying he was impressed by “the care and attention” lavished on the building.
- He met architects, faith leaders, young people and volunteers across the mosque’s gardens and prayer spaces and unveiled a plaque marking Cambridge’s 75th city-status anniversary.
- The mosque, designed by Marks Barfield Architects and opened in 2019, highlights sustainable systems such as roof solar panels, basement heat pumps, greywater and rainwater recycling, passive ventilation and sustainably sourced timber.
- Charles later opened the new Whittle Laboratory, a net-zero aviation and energy centre linked to his Sustainable Markets Initiative, reinforcing ties between faith-led community work and his sustainability agenda.
- The royal visit is likely to raise the mosque’s public profile and could strengthen support for its community programmes and green projects that include youth awards, food distribution and partnerships with the University of Cambridge and the NHS.