New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has publicly called on Britain’s King Charles III to support the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, reviving a long-standing debate over the ownership of one of the world’s most famous jewels.
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Mamdani made the remarks on Wednesday during King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to New York, where the royal couple attended an event at the 9/11 Memorial as part of the monarch’s state visit to the United States. Before greeting the British monarch, Mamdani was asked what he would discuss with the king if given the opportunity.
In response, the mayor said he would encourage King Charles to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond, while adding that the main purpose of the event was to honour victims of the September 11 attacks.
This beautiful diamond is currently on display in the Tower of London
That is where it will stay.
Mamdani may be looting New Yorkers, but he will have no joy in Britain.
Unless he retracts this insult to our King, as Home Secretary I would ban him from entering Britain. https://t.co/gEaDSw839R
— Zia Yusuf (@ZiaYusufUK) April 29, 2026
It remains unclear whether the issue was directly raised during Mamdani’s brief interaction with the king. Photographs from the event showed the two speaking and smiling after a handshake.
The Koh-i-Noor is currently housed in the Tower of London as part of Britain’s Crown Jewels. The 106-carat diamond has long been the subject of historical and political disputes due to its complex ownership history.
Originally mined in the Indian subcontinent, the gem changed hands multiple times over centuries, passing through Mughal rulers, Persian leaders, and Sikh authorities before being transferred to Queen Victoria in 1849 following the annexation of Punjab.
India has repeatedly sought the return of the diamond, arguing it was taken during British colonial rule. Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran have also asserted historical claims to the jewel.
Mamdani’s comments quickly drew criticism from some British political figures. A representative from the Reform UK party described the remarks as inappropriate and insisted the diamond should remain in Britain.
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The issue of colonial-era artefacts and their repatriation continues to spark international debate, with museums and institutions worldwide facing growing calls to return culturally significant objects to their countries of origin. The Koh-i-Noor remains among the most prominent symbols in that ongoing discussion.