The Queen's first visit to a British Mosque, Queen Elizabeth II in Scunthorpe
Queen Elizabeth II visited the Islamic Centre in Scunthorpe back in 2002, the Chairman says he remembers it well.
Last updated 12th Sep 2022
The Queen Elizabeth II visited a mosque in Scunthorpe 2002, being the first royal to have visited one. The Islamic Centre is now hoping to welcome King Charles III as a new building is due to open.
The Islamic Centre in Scunthorpe was visited in 2002 by the Queen Elizabeth II, the first Mosque to be visited by a royalist.
Mohammed Afzal Khan, is the Chairman of the centre and says he remembers the visit well:
"It was when we were chosen, because there was a lot of other competitive places, like Birmingham where they have a big mosque, and London, Regent Park was especially mentioned. But when they chose us, it was thanks to the local council at the time as well because they were really keen for her to come to our mosque, and it was you know, unbelievable for us because we were such a small - and still are - but at that time the mosque was such a small place, and she's chosen that place herself.
"She was a person that could make you a friend within seconds, that's what her speciality was. I mean I couldn't sleep for a couple of nights beforehand, because I was nervous that I had to give, the Holy Quran to her, and how am I going present myself and there's going to be cameras and all the media from around the world. So I was very nervous but when I met her it was like a normal person. So yeah, she was down to earth, very brave as well, she was a very nice person."
Me Afzal Khan says he hopes in the coming years he can welcome King Charles III to a new building, as they expand.