What would Mamdani tell the King in a one-on-one? Give India back its diamond

New York City Mayor Mamdani said Wednesday that if he had a one-on-one with King Charles III, he’d suggest the British monarch return a crown jewel to India.

“I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor,” Mamdani said, referring to a 105.6-carat gem that the East India Company took from a deposed Indian leader in 1849 as a condition of a peace agreement.

The Koh-i-Noor, one of the world’s most famous diamonds, is set in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, in the Tower of London.

The comment came about two hours before the mayor was expected to greet Charles and Queen Camilla at a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial. Spokespeople have said there are no private meetings planned.

Mamdani referenced the diamond when he was directly asked what he’d say to the king in a hypothetical private meeting after an unrelated event announcement.

Initially, he dodged the question, but when pressed by NBC New York on whether he had even thought about it, the mayor commented on the Koh-i-Noor. More on the jewel here.

Mamdani didn’t elaborate beyond that one statement. His team moved on to the next press question.

Buckingham Palace didn’t immediately address the comment.

Ownership of the Koh-i-Noor has been controversial. Anti-monarchy protesters have demanded its return.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 11: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Anti monarchy protestors from the pressure group Republic wave ‘Down With The Crown’ and ‘Abolish The Monarchy’ banners ahead of the 2024 Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2024 in London, England. The Commonwealth represents a global network of 56 countries with a combined population of 2.5 billion people, of which over 60 per cent are under 30 years old. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

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