NEW YORK (AP) — King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded a busy first day in New York City on Wednesday, marking the first visit to the city by a reigning British monarch in 16 years. The visit included a solemn tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, meetings with schoolchildren and business leaders, and an evening reception for one of the King’s charities.
The four-day diplomatic trip to the U.S. Is intended to commemorate 250 years of American independence. Charles’ visit is also his first state visit to the U.S. Since becoming king; his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, made four state visits to the U.S., with her last visit to New York occurring in 2010.
Honoring Victims at the 9/11 Memorial
The royal couple began their day at the National 9/11 Memorial, paying tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 2001 attacks, including 67 British nationals. They were greeted by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and walked to the memorial’s pools, where Charles laid flowers on a parapet bearing the names of the victims. The couple then paused for a moment of reflection.
Charles and Camilla then spoke with survivors, first responders, and relatives of those lost in the attacks, some of whom held photos of their loved ones. The visit occurred ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks and under heightened security measures, including police snipers and road closures.
Meeting New York’s Mayor and a Diplomatic Nuance
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani were also present at the memorial. Mamdani, whose parents are from former parts of the British Empire, shook hands with the king. Even as he initially stated his intention to focus on honoring the 9/11 victims, he later indicated that, given the opportunity, he would encourage the king to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
The Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, is currently part of the Crown Jewels, having been seized by the East India Co. In 1849 and given to Queen Victoria. Several countries, including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, have laid claim to the gem.
Connecting with New Yorkers
Anthoula Katsimatides, whose brother John died at the World Trade Center, spoke with the royal couple and described the Queen as “endearing.” Katsimatides shared that the Queen inquired about her frequency of visits to the memorial, to which she responded that it provides “a place of peace and calm and also remembrance.”
King Charles also visited Harlem Grown’s 134th Street Farm, where he planted lavender and mustard seeds with children and learned about the organization’s work with young people facing food insecurity. Queen Camilla visited the New York Public Library, where she chatted with actress Sarah Jessica Parker and delivered a new Roo doll to add to the library’s renowned collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals, celebrating the character’s 100th anniversary.
A Gala Reception
The day concluded with a gala reception at Rockefeller Center for the King’s Trust charity. Charles spoke of the enduring cultural bond between the U.K. And the U.S., stating, “Reminding us that we are truly greater together, that’s the point.” Singer Lionel Richie, a long-time supporter of the King’s Trust, introduced the royal couple. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, lifestyle icon Martha Stewart, and fashion designer Donatella Versace were also in attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of King Charles III’s visit to New York City?
King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited New York City as part of a four-day diplomatic trip to the U.S. To mark 250 years of American independence. The visit included a tribute to the victims of the September 11th attacks, meetings with community leaders, and a gala for one of the King’s charities.
Who did the King and Queen meet with during their visit?
The King and Queen met with victims’ relatives and first responders at the 9/11 Memorial, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill. They also met with schoolchildren at Harlem Grown and celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart, and Lionel Richie.
What was said regarding the Koh-i-Noor diamond?
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that, if given the opportunity, he would encourage King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a gem claimed by several countries including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, which is currently part of the British Crown Jewels.
As the King and Queen continue their tour, what impact will this visit have on the ongoing dialogue between the U.K. And the U.S. Regarding historical artifacts and future collaborations?
