Mayor Zohran Mamdani quipped that he wants to ask King Charles III to return one of the British monarchy’s crown jewels as the UK head of states tours New York City Wednesday.
The mayor, who was set to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum with the king, told reporters that if he got a chance to speak to the him, he’d ask that the UK give back the 100-karat Koh-i-Noor diamond, which has been used in Queen Elizabeth II’s crown.
“If I was to speak to the king … I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond,” Hizzoner said during an unrelated press conference in The Bronx, when asked about his expected meeting with Charles.
The diamond, which is estimated to be worth up to $1 billion, has been used by British royalty for decades and its ownership has been contested by India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.
The Indian government renewed calls for the diamond’s return in 2022 following the queen’s death.