Prince Harry Eats With Muslim Community As London Prayers Offered

Prince Harry has eaten with a Muslim community breaking its Ramadan fast - as words of sympathy were said for the victims of the London terrorist attack.

Harry, who is on a two-day trip to Singapore, remembered the seven people killed by the attackers before a simple meal of dates and porridge began.

He was visiting a community centre run by a Muslim-faith led voluntary welfare organisation called Jamiyah Singapore.

Minutes before the sun went down and the call to prayer was made by an Islamic scholar, Muhammad Rafiuddin Ismail, secretary-general of Jamiyah, said:

"Our thoughts go out to the families of the victims of the London terror attack last night."

The Prince bowed his head as he began speaking and the secretary general added:

"Let peace and harmony prevail in communities all over the world."

In a community hall, Harry sat down with members of Singapore's Malay community who are mainly Muslim as the day's Ramadan fasting drew to a close.

A mufti, or Islamic scholar, made his plaintive call to prayer after the words of condolence were said and Harry bowed his head as a mark of respect as the call rang out.

His father, the Prince of Wales, has a keen interest in Islamic culture, and other faiths, and has also promoted interfaith dialogue between religions.

Dr Mohd Hasbi Abu Bakar, president of Jamiyah Singapore, said:

"Ramadan is a time of reflection, for spending time with family and friends while giving support to those who are less fortunate.

"We are honoured that Prince Harry was able to join us for this iftar and to meet with the young people that are part of the Jamiyah Singapore community."

Earlier Harry was welcomed to the centre by a group of Malay drummers, in local dress, who beat out a rhythm on a traditional instrument called a kompang.

Girls threw flower petals on the ground for the prince to walk on as he made his way to an open-air demonstration of a martial art from the region known as Silat.

Harry, who is visiting Singapore to stage his fundraising Sentebale Polo Cup on Monday, watched as the youngsters demonstrated kicks, hand thrusts and throws.

Photographs courtesy of the British High Commission in Singapore.