Palace Silent on Koh-i-Noor Talks after Mayor’s Vow
Buckingham Palace has declined to confirm whether Zohran Mamdani raised the return of the Koh-i-Noor during a brief exchange with King Charles III at a 9/11 memorial event.
Ahead of the meeting, Mamdani, who is of Indian heritage, said he intended to encourage the monarch to return the diamond to India, which has long claimed it was taken during British colonial rule. Photographs later showed the two speaking, but neither the palace nor the mayor’s office confirmed whether the issue was discussed.
The Koh-i-Noor remains one of the most contentious symbols of Britain’s imperial past. Originally mined in India, the gem changed hands between several empires before being ceded to Britain in 1849 under the Treaty of Lahore. The UK maintains it was acquired legally, while India continues to call for its return.
The episode has sparked political backlash in Britain, with some critics accusing Mamdani of raising a sensitive issue during a solemn commemorative event. Others say the situation highlights ongoing debates over colonial-era artefacts and their place in modern diplomacy.
Analysts note that the palace’s silence reflects the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding the diamond, which remains a sticking point in UK–India relations. While any move to return it could be seen as a gesture of reconciliation, it could also set a precedent for other restitution claims.
