The King marks the 40th anniversary of the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies
Published
His Majesty The King has visited the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies to celebrate the naming of the King Charles III Wing and launch of the King Charles III Programme.
The King, who has served as Patron of the centre since 1993, joined distinguished guests including Lord Hague, Chancellor of Oxford University, and Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of Oxford University, for the anniversary celebrations at the centre's Marston Road campus.
Established in 1985, the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies serves as a bridge between Western and Islamic scholarship, contributing to multi-disciplinary study of the Islamic world. The centre was granted a Royal Charter by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.
His Majesty has a longstanding relationship with the institution, having delivered its inaugural lecture "Islam and the West" in 1993, which established the centre's Distinguished Lecture Series. As Prince of Wales, he also inaugurated the centre's permanent home, a purpose-built facility featuring traditional Oxford quadrangles including The King Charles III Garden.
During yesterday's visit, The King officially opened the newly renamed King Charles III Wing by cutting a ribbon. The wing will house the King Charles III Programme, a new initiative consolidating activities inspired by His Majesty, including the King Charles III Fellowship, Young Muslim Leadership Programme, and conferences on global issues such as environment and sustainability.
The event brought together trustees, students, alumni and interfaith representatives in the centre's auditorium, with His Majesty delivering remarks following an address by Dr Nizami, the centre's Director. The visit concluded with a reception in the King Charles III Garden.
The centre continues to welcome leading global figures through its Distinguished Lecture Series, which has hosted Heads of State and Government alongside renowned scholars since its inception three decades ago.
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