Select Language:
During a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City on April 29, 2026, Britain’s King Charles, standing alongside Queen Camilla, engaged with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, who is of Indian American descent, expressed a wish for the King to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond during a press conference held hours before a ceremony honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks. When asked about the diamond, Mamdani remarked, “If I had a chance to speak with the king privately, I would likely encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor.” Later that day, the King and Mamdani exchanged words at the memorial ceremony. Buckingham Palace chose not to comment, and Mamdani’s office did not respond to inquiries about discussing the matter with the monarch.
The Queen Mother’s crown, which prominently features the 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond in the central cross, has been a focal point in debates. India has repeatedly called for Britain to repatriate the diamond, which was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 by Britain’s colonial governor-general after the annexation of Punjab in 1849 and the seizure of the gem from a deposed Indian leader. Historically, the Koh-i-Noor has belonged to Mughal emperors, Persian shahs, Afghan emirs, and Sikh maharajas, according to the Historic Royal Palaces charity.
Charles paid tribute to those lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks by placing a floral bouquet at the memorial where the twin towers once stood. India gained independence from Britain in 1947, but the legacy of colonization and the atrocities committed during that era remain sensitive topics. India regards the diamond as a cherished artifact with deep roots in its national history, while many in the country see Britain’s ownership as a symbol of colonial oppression.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
