New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated on 29/4 that he would urge King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond if given a private audience. Mamdani made this comment ahead of welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla at a memorial event for the 11/9/2001 terrorist attacks, emphasizing that the focus of the reception remained on honoring those who died in the attacks.
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Mayor Mamdani (left) greets King Charles III at an event in New York on 29/4. Photo: AP |
It remains unclear if Mayor Mamdani raised the topic during his meeting with King Charles III. Published images showed the British king shaking hands, smiling, and conversing with Mamdani.
A British politician, Zia Yusuf, objected to the New York Mayor's statement, calling it "an insult to the monarch". Yusuf asserted, "This beautiful diamond is on display at the Tower of London. That is where it will remain".
The Koh-i-Noor is a valuable diamond with a long history, considered one of the world's most expensive. Britain took it from the Indian subcontinent in the 19th century. The 106-carat stone was later set into the British queen's crown, part of the royal jewelry collection.
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The Koh-i-Noor diamond (circled in red) set on the British queen's crown. Photo: Britanica |
The diamond's ownership has been controversial for centuries. The stone passed through various South Asian dynasties before the Maharaja of Punjab presented it to Queen Victoria of England in 1849 under a peace treaty.
India has repeatedly tried to reclaim the Koh-i-Noor without success. Several other nations, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, also claim ownership of the stone.
Hong Hanh (AFP)
