New York Mayor Mamdani urges King Charles to return Koh-i-Noor diamond during state visit

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly called on King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India. The request was made on Wednesday, the third day of the monarch's state visit to the United States, ahead of a scheduled meeting between the two leaders.

The intervention occurred during a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial, where Mamdani was asked what topics he would discuss with the King if given the opportunity to speak separately. In response, the Mayor stated he would encourage the return of the gem, which was taken from the Indian subcontinent by the British Empire in the 1800s.

The Koh-i-Noor is a 105.6-carat stone that has formed part of the British Crown Jewels since 1849. It was acquired by Queen Victoria from the Kingdom of Punjab as part of a peace treaty, though its ownership remains a subject of historical contention. While India asserts the diamond was seized during colonial rule, other nations including Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan also lay claim to the artifact.

It is currently unclear whether Mamdani actually raised the contentious subject with King Charles III during their subsequent interaction. Reports indicate the monarch and Queen Camilla were seen laughing with the Mayor and engaging in a brief conversation after shaking hands following the memorial event.

The Reform UK party has condemned the Mayor's remarks as an insult to the King. Party home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf asserted that the diamond is currently on display in the Tower of London and confirmed that it will remain there.

The diplomatic tension unfolded against the backdrop of the King and Queen Camilla marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The state visit proceeded despite a separate security incident involving a shooting at a White House press gala earlier in the week.