King Charles III has hosted an exclusive black tie dinner at Windsor Castle to commemorate the first anniversary of the Aga Khan's accession as the spiritual leader of millions of Ismaili Muslims worldwide. The monarch welcomed His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini, the 50th hereditary Imam, to the royal residence in Berkshire for the poignant private event on Wednesday evening.
A Significant Royal and Spiritual Gathering
The dinner marked a significant moment in both royal and religious calendars, bringing together two prominent figures with deep historical connections. The King and the Aga Khan were photographed standing side by side in Windsor Castle's Grand Corridor, with Charles wearing his distinctive Windsor Coat dinner jacket featuring scarlet collar and cuffs – a uniform traditionally worn by male members of the royal family at formal castle events.
Continuation of a Long-Standing Tradition
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini was formally named as the Aga Khan V on February 4, 2025, following the passing of his father Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the Aga Khan IV. Soon after this accession, King Charles granted the new spiritual leader the title "His Highness," continuing a royal tradition that has spanned generations. This gesture reinforced the enduring relationship between the British monarchy and the Ismaili Muslim leadership.
The private anniversary dinner was attended by members of the Aga Khan's family, creating an intimate gathering for this important milestone. The King had previously received the-then Prince Rahim at Buckingham Palace in July 2023, when he visited in his capacity as a member of the Aga Khan Development Network and Aga Khan Foundation – organisations renowned for their philanthropic work across the globe.
Historical Connections and Shared Interests
The late Aga Khan IV, remembered as both a billionaire philanthropist and a close personal friend of King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II, shared particularly strong bonds with the royal family. He and the late monarch enjoyed a mutual passion for horse racing, frequently watching the sport together at Royal Ascot. The Aga Khan IV was also the owner of Shergar, the legendary Derby-winning racehorse who was tragically kidnapped from his Irish stud farm in 1983 and never recovered.
Spiritual Significance and Diplomatic Recognition
The Aga Khan holds immense spiritual significance for Ismaili Muslims, who consider him to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. This religious status grants him treatment equivalent to a head of state in diplomatic contexts, adding considerable weight to royal engagements such as the Windsor Castle dinner. The event served not only as a personal anniversary celebration but also as an important diplomatic recognition of his leadership role.
The Windsor Uniform worn by King Charles during the occasion has its own rich history, dating back to 1779 when the earliest version of the coat was first introduced by King George III. According to longstanding tradition, this distinctive attire is worn by male members of the royal family and certain approved members of the household during evening events at Windsor Castle where formal dress is required.
This gathering at Windsor Castle represents the latest chapter in a relationship that has connected British royalty with Ismaili Muslim leadership for decades, blending spiritual significance with diplomatic protocol and personal friendship in a setting steeped in historical tradition.
