During his visit to the United States on April 29, 2026, King Charles III experienced a mix of admiration and criticism. While he received warm praise in Washington, he faced a notable snub from New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
The day began with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 memorial in New York City. King Charles was accompanied by former mayor Mike Bloomberg as they honored the victims of the tragic events that unfolded on September 11, 2001. Security was tight in lower Manhattan due to heightened concerns following recent events.
However, Mamdani declined to meet King Charles privately, suggesting instead that he should consider returning the Koh-i-Noor diamond. This diamond has been embroiled in an ownership dispute since it was acquired by Queen Victoria in 1849. “If I was to speak to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond,” Mamdani stated.
In contrast, King Charles received accolades for his address to Congress earlier that week. His rapport with political figures like Donald Trump seemed to resonate well with many attendees. He emphasized the importance of maintaining strong alliances: “I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values…” His remarks included references to AUKUS, highlighting the ambitious submarine program involving the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
While King Charles’s diplomatic efforts seem to have bolstered support for the monarchy in Canada—where 45% of citizens now favor it—his visit also stirred controversy. Critics pointed out that he did not meet with victims of Jeffrey Epstein during his time in New York. Danica Parry remarked on the situation, saying, “It’s like a CIA operation down there.”
As Camilla visited the New York Public Library during their trip, King Charles also made time for community engagement by visiting Harlem Grown—a local organization dedicated to youth and urban farming. This outreach reflects an effort to connect with everyday Americans amid royal duties.
The mixed reception signifies a complex moment for US-UK relations as historical grievances such as the Koh-i-Noor diamond continue to surface. With ongoing debates about monarchy support across Commonwealth realms like Canada and Australia—where only 28% wish to remain under monarchy—this visit could influence future dialogues about royal relevance.
