NAMASTE YOUR MAJESTIES

The King and Queen visit a Hindu temple, where they are thanked for their kindness and friendship over the years

- EMILY NASH

The King and Queen removed their shoes and wore garlands as they joined worshippers celebrating 30 years of Neasden Temple.

Their Majesties toured the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in northwest London and wished devotees a belated happy Diwali as they visited a week after the Hindu festival of lights.

They were garlanded with roses and carnations and had sacred threads, called nada chadi, tied around their right wrists by priests wearing vibrant orange robes, who said that it was “to show our bonds remain ever sweet”.

The royal couple were welcomed by Sadhu Pujya Yogvivekdas Swami, who gave the “praying hands” namaste gesture and bowed to the King, who returned the greeting.