New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on King Charles to return the prized Koh-i-Noor diamond, a gem taken from the Indian subcontinent by the British Empire in the 1800s. The statement was made on the third day of the monarch’s state visit to the United States, on Wednesday.
Mayor's Remarks at 9/11 Memorial Event
Before greeting King Charles and Queen Camilla at a 9/11 memorial event, Mamdani was asked what he would discuss with the king if given the opportunity. “If I was to speak to the king, separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond,” the leftist mayor said. He added that his primary focus would be on honoring those killed in the terror attacks. It remains unclear whether Mamdani actually brought up the contentious subject with Charles when they met. The monarch was seen laughing with Mamdani and having a brief conversation after shaking hands.
History and Controversy of the Koh-i-Noor
The massive 106-carat diamond, housed in the Tower of London, is the star of Britain’s crown jewels, adorning the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Its ownership has been contested over centuries, passing through the hands of Mughal emperors, Iranian shahs, and Sikh maharajas before the Kingdom of Punjab gave it to Queen Victoria in 1849 as part of a peace treaty. India has repeatedly and unsuccessfully sought the return of the priceless jewel. While there is little doubt it was mined in India, its history is a mixture of myth and fact, with several countries including Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan also laying claim to the gem.
Political Reactions
A politician from the anti-immigration Reform UK party criticized Mamdani’s comments as an “insult to our King.” Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesman, said in an X post: “This beautiful diamond is currently on display in the Tower of London. That is where it will stay.” He added that unless Mamdani retracts his insult, as Home Secretary he would ban him from entering Britain.
