THE ROYAL VISITS
Imran Khan Meets His Majesty The King 2 Times Once In 2023 And Once In 2025 — Made A Jacket Fit for Royalty Both The Times
It was a moment of immense pride when our founder, Imran Khan, met His Majesty King Charles III during the Royal visit to Bradford. Dressed in a bespoke jacket of his own design, Imran caught the King’s eye — His Majesty walked straight over and told him, ‘I really like your jacket.’ In that instant, Imran offered to make one for the King — and the rest is history.
His Majesty The King
A jacket fit for royalty.
Together with his team — including senior tailors, apprentices, and four young learners from Cube Learning — Imran spent 120 hours crafting a stunning rainforest green velvet jacket with gold trimming, all handmade right here in Bradford. Every stitch was sewn with care, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design — a true labour of love from start to finish.
When the finished jacket was sent to Buckingham Palace, Imran received a wonderful letter on behalf of The King, expressing his delight and gratitude. The letter stated His Majesty ‘could not be more delighted’ and was deeply touched by the kind gesture — a proud recognition of our work, our city, and the skill of everyone at IK Collection. It remains one of our greatest honours — that a garment made in our workshop now belongs to His Majesty The King.
Imran Khan’s Second Meeting: A Gift Presented in Bradford, Treasured at Balmoral
Imran Khan met with the King for a second time — a significant encounter conducted away from official royal residences, lending the occasion particular distinction. During this visit, Imran Khan presented the King with another meticulously crafted jacket, a considered complement to the first gift, offered with formal respect and appreciation within the city. This presentation served not merely as a ceremonial offering, but as a symbol of enduring connection, reflecting continued regard and strengthening the relationship between the two parties.
Presented in Bradford
Throughout the meeting, Imran Khan outlined the jacket’s provenance, design, and the skilled craftsmanship involved in its creation, while the King received the gift with gratitude, acknowledging its quality and the significance of the gesture. The proceedings were marked by mutual respect and cordiality, with the Bradford setting providing a distinct and meaningful context to the exchange. Every element of the garment reflected careful consideration and precision, representing a further token of esteem and the continued relationship between them.
It is widely believed that this distinguished piece is now held at Balmoral Castle, preserved within the Royal Collection as a permanent record of the meeting and the diplomatic courtesy it embodied. From its presentation in Bradford to its eventual placement at Balmoral, the jacket stands as a formal symbol of respect, cultural exchange, and goodwill — a lasting artefact commemorating the occasion and the regard in which the gift was held.
Royal Visit: The Duke of Gloucester at IK Collection
IK Collection was honoured to receive a visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, who toured our Bradford premises to view our bespoke tailoring work and long-established craft. The Duke was welcomed to our workshop, where he met our master tailors and saw first-hand the traditional techniques we have practised since our founding in 1960. He examined the hand-cut patterns, premium fabrics, and garments in progress, taking a keen interest in every stage of the made-to-measure and bespoke process that defines our work. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the skill, precision, and dedication of our team, who have remained with us throughout our history under one roof.
During his time with us, The Duke spoke with our staff about our heritage, our commitment to preserving fine tailoring, and our service to the community across more than six decades. He acknowledged the care and craftsmanship that go into every piece we create, as well as our reputation for quality and personal service. The visit was a mark of recognition for IK Collection and the work we do, and it remains a proud and significant moment in our story — reflecting the respect accorded to our craft and the enduring values of excellence and tradition we uphold.
A considered commission
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