dailyloe.com – King Charles III’s recent visit to the United States featured a blend of warm receptions and notable snubs. The monarch attended a wreath-laying ceremony for 9/11 victims in New York City after receiving praise in Washington, D.C. His interactions included a positive rapport with President Donald Trump and a well-received speech to Congress.
However, in stark contrast, New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani made it clear he would not meet the king privately. Mamdani’s stance was linked to the historical ownership of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, claimed by the British crown in 1849, which he suggested should be returned.
Mamdani’s reluctance to engage with Charles was evident as his team distanced themselves from the monarch ahead of the ceremony. Joe Calvello, the mayor’s press secretary, stated, ‘The mayor will not meet privately with King Charles. But the mayor will be at the wreath laying ceremony today.’
This treatment diverged significantly from what King Charles typically experiences. During the visit, Mamdani expressed that if he had a chance to speak to the king, he would encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The diamond, weighing 106 carats, is currently set in the crown worn by the queen mother.
The diamond’s ownership has been debated since it was acquired by Queen Victoria, with critics highlighting its controversial history involving Duleep Singh, a young maharajah. Buckingham Palace has not commented on the possibility of returning the diamond.
