Royal Tribute at 9/11 Memorial
King Charles III and Queen Camilla paid their respects by laying flowers at the September 11 Memorial in New York during their state visit to the United States. This marked the first occasion the royal couple visited the site dedicated to the memory of nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks 25 years ago.
During the visit, they engaged with families of the deceased and spoke with some of the first responders who participated in the rescue efforts. The event was attended by notable figures including New York's Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The visit was conducted under stringent security measures, featuring a significant police presence, road closures, checkpoints, and helicopters monitoring the area.
In the bright New York sunshine, the King and Queen placed a bouquet of white roses beside the reflective pools that serve as a permanent memorial at the site.
Accompanying the flowers was a handwritten note stating:
"We honour the memory for those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001. We stand in enduring solidarity with the American people and in the face of their profound loss. Charles R Camilla."
The memorial includes a museum and is situated in an open area surrounded by the city's skyscrapers.
Engagement with Support Groups and Educational Initiatives
The King and Queen also conversed with representatives from charities supporting victims' families and educational organizations dedicated to preserving the memory of the 2001 events.
King Charles’ Address to US Congress
The significance of the 9/11 attacks was highlighted by King Charles in his speech to the US Congress earlier in the week. He urged lawmakers to continue their support for NATO, citing the alliance's unified response following the attacks.
"This atrocity was a defining moment for America and your pain and shock were felt around the whole world," said the King.
He further emphasized the need for resilience, stating, "the same unyielding resolve is needed for the defence of Ukraine."
Literary Contribution to New York Public Library
The visit to New York, marking the third day of their four-day trip, also included a lighter moment. Queen Camilla, an advocate for literacy and reading, brought a literary figure to donate to the New York Public Library.
Since 1987, the library has displayed the original stuffed toys from the 1920s that inspired the Winnie the Pooh stories. However, the toy of Roo, the baby kangaroo, has been missing since the 1930s.
The Queen brought a replacement Roo, crafted by the same company that made the original toys, on her flight from the UK.
Queen Camilla has promoted literacy through her Queen's Reading Room project. Vicki Perrin, CEO of the charity who accompanied the Queen to New York, highlighted on Wednesday the existence of a "reading crisis."
She emphasized the social benefits of improving literacy rates, noting the "transformative benefits on mental health, brain health and social health."
Further Engagements in New York
Later on Wednesday, King Charles planned to visit an education and healthy food initiative in Harlem.
Additionally, the King and Queen were scheduled to attend a reception for the creative industries, an event anticipated to attract several notable personalities.
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