Prince Charles said he was left “utterly heartbroken” by the “tragic story” of the 13-year-old Muslim boy who died alone after contracting coronavirus.
His comments were made in a video message to mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn till sunset.
Charles said in his message: “I was utterly heartbroken by the tragic story of Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, a previously healthy thirteen year old boy, who passed away without the comfort of having his family by his side.
“Every bereavement, from whatever cause, is made even harder for families by the current restrictions on funerals. I can only too well understand how agonising this must be for those affected and I know their enormous sense of grief will be shared by countless others – including myself.
“Under these appallingly challenging circumstances, my wife and I can only offer you all our kindest and most special wishes and stress just how greatly the contribution of Muslims to the life of the United Kingdom is appreciated and valued.”
Ismail, of Brixton, south London, is thought to have been the first child in the UK to die after testing positive for coronavirus.
The youngster was admitted to London’s King’s College Hospital on March 26 and tested positive for Covid-19 the following day.
He was buried four days later, but his immediate family were unable to attend because they had to self-isolate.
In his message, Charles also praised those followers of Islam working in the NHS or as key workers, and sympathised with the families of Muslim doctors and nurses whose loved ones had died after testing positive for coronavirus.
With the country in Covid-19 lockdown, the message formed part of a virtual Iftar – the communal breaking of the fast.
This was organised by two organisations with links to the Muslim community, The Mosaic Initiative, part of youth charity The Prince’s Trust and the Naz Legacy Foundation.
