New York Mayor urges King Charles to return Koh-i-Noor diamond

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly called on King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond during the British monarch's state visit to the United States on April 30, 2026.

The diamond, a 105.6-carat gem mined in India, has been part of Britain's crown jewels since the mid-19th century but remains a subject of dispute.

Mamdani made the remarks shortly before meeting King Charles and Queen Camilla at a 9/11 memorial event in New York City.

When asked what he would discuss with the king, Mamdani said he would encourage the return of the diamond, though it is unclear if the topic was raised during their brief conversation.

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is housed in the Tower of London and is prominently featured on the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Its ownership has been contested for centuries, with claims from India, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan.

The diamond was taken by the British Empire in 1849 following the annexation of Punjab and was presented to Queen Victoria as part of a peace treaty.

India has repeatedly requested the diamond's return, viewing it as a symbol of colonial exploitation and a valued piece of its national history.

The British colonization of India and related historical grievances remain sensitive topics in India.

Mamdani, who is of Indian American heritage, emphasized his focus on honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks during the memorial event.

King Charles laid a floral bouquet at the site of the former World Trade Center twin towers as part of the commemoration.

The mayor's comments drew criticism from some quarters in the UK, with a spokesperson from a British political party describing the call for the diamond's return as an insult to the monarch and affirming that the diamond would remain on display in London.

#ZohranMamdani #KingCharlesIII #KohiNoordiamond #BritishEmpire #India #colonialism