King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s New York Visit Highlights

King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited New York City on April 29, 2026, as part of an official state visit to the United States. The day’s itinerary included a visit to the National September 11 Memorial, engagements with local nonprofit organizations, and a cultural reception.

Commemoration at the National September 11 Memorial

The royal couple began their time in New York City at the National September 11 Memorial to honor the victims of the 2001 attacks. This visit marked the first time King Charles III and Queen Camilla had visited the site, which commemorates the nearly 3,000 people who died in the attacks 25 years ago.

During the visit, the King and Queen placed a bouquet of white roses beside the deep pools of the memorial. They left a handwritten note that read:

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.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla

While at the memorial, the couple met with families of the victims and spoke with first responders who had participated in the rescue efforts. They also held conversations with representatives from educational groups working to preserve the memory of the attacks and charities that provide support to the victims’ families.

The royal couple was accompanied by several dignitaries, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. According to reporting from the BBC, the visit was conducted under tight security, which included a heavy police presence, road closures, checkpoints, and helicopters circling the area.

Community and Cultural Engagements

Following the memorial service, King Charles III and Queen Camilla participated in separate activities across the city. King Charles visited Harlem Grown, a local nonprofit organization, where he spent time feeding chickens.

Later on April 29, 2026, the King attended a cultural reception in New York. During the event, he spoke with musician Lionel Richie.

Queen Camilla visited the New York Public Library for a literacy event. During her visit, she delivered a Roo doll to the library’s collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals, a gesture commemorating the 100th anniversary of the children’s character. While at the library, the Queen also spoke with actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Context of the State Visit

The New York engagements occurred on the third day of the royal couple’s official trip to the United States. The visit to the 9/11 Memorial followed a speech delivered by King Charles III to the U.S. Congress on April 28, 2026, in which he had previously raised the significance of the September 11 attacks.