Worthing restaurateur recognised by Prince William and Kate in Instagram post

By Sam Morton
Published 4th Jan 2023, 18:34 BST
Updated 4th Jan 2023, 18:43 BST
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A Worthing restaurant owner has been recognised by Prince William and Kate for his work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

An Instagram story, shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales for their Together At Christmas campaign, named the Mahaan Restaurant’s Askor Ali as one of the community heroes who were welcomed to Westminster Abbey for a carol service in December.

The event was held to ‘shine a light’ on people ‘doing selfless and often life-changing things’ in their communities.

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The post read: "It was a pleasure to welcome so many to Westminster Abbey and we wanted to tell you a few of their stories.

During the pandemic, Askor Ali and his team from the Mahaan made food deliveries to vulnerable people, offering meals to NHS staffs and care workersDuring the pandemic, Askor Ali and his team from the Mahaan made food deliveries to vulnerable people, offering meals to NHS staffs and care workers
During the pandemic, Askor Ali and his team from the Mahaan made food deliveries to vulnerable people, offering meals to NHS staffs and care workers

“Restaurateur Askor Ali supported local charities, homelessness projects, NHS staff, nursing homes and many more people in the community by providing much needed food and meals throughout the pandemic.”

Mr Ali, who runs the Mahaan Restaurant in Montague Street, said he was honoured to be recognised, adding: “It’s something very special for me. I didn’t realise it would be published like this. I feel very honoured and special.”

Mr Ali said he received a phone call from the Lord-Lieutenants’s office after someone had recommended his name.

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"The asked whether I would be interested to go to the carol service at Westminster Abbey. This is something you don’t say no to.

Mr Ali, who runs the Mahaan Restaurant in Montague Street, said he was honoured to be recognised.Mr Ali, who runs the Mahaan Restaurant in Montague Street, said he was honoured to be recognised.
Mr Ali, who runs the Mahaan Restaurant in Montague Street, said he was honoured to be recognised.

"I was very happy. I didn’t know anything about it until then.”

The restaurateur and chef said the day itself was ‘very special’.

"I got myself ready and prepared wondering where I would be sitting and who I would be seeing,” Mr Ali said. “I was really excited.

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“I saw some of the Royals walk past, including Kate and William, which made my day.

Mr Ali and his team delivered 160 free meals to Worthing Hospital and also provided ten free meals every night for vulnerable peopleMr Ali and his team delivered 160 free meals to Worthing Hospital and also provided ten free meals every night for vulnerable people
Mr Ali and his team delivered 160 free meals to Worthing Hospital and also provided ten free meals every night for vulnerable people

“The church was full, with lots of people from different ethnic minorities from every part the country. It was a really nice and very joyful day for me.”

"Going to a carol service sitting with royal family close by was really nice and special for the family.”

During