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LOWER MANHATTAN, New York — King Charles III and Queen Camilla opened their highly watched New York City visit Wednesday with a solemn and emotionally charged stop at the National 9/11 Memorial, where they paid tribute to the victims of the 2001 terror attacks and met with grieving families in a moment defined by silence, symbolism and global attention.

The visit marked a rare and historic royal appearance at Ground Zero, coming as part of the monarch’s first trip to New York as king and only the second time a reigning British monarch has visited the city since Queen Elizabeth II in 2010.

A MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE AT GROUND ZERO

The king and queen arrived by motorcade under tight security and were greeted by dignitaries before walking with former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to the memorial’s twin reflecting pools. There, engraved names of the nearly 3,000 victims framed a scene heavy with reflection.

King Charles laid flowers along the parapet, a gesture that underscored the somber tone of the visit. The royal couple did not deliver public remarks, in keeping with memorial tradition that reserves speeches for families and loved ones of the victims.

Their visit came ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks, adding further weight to the moment as families, first responders and officials gathered nearby.

The ceremony unfolded under intense security, with streets restricted and access limited as police controlled movement around Lower Manhattan.

“A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT” AS PUBLIC WITNESSES HISTORY

For those who managed to catch a glimpse, the experience carried emotional significance.

"I think it's beautiful. I mean, amongst and amidst everything that is going on in the world, a special relationship that's been special for many years. I think it shows that there is still that tie, there still is that link," Sebastian Young-Slee said.

"I think it's really beautiful. I have never had any interaction with the royals at all, so being able to have them over here in the States is phenomenal, and especially commemorating such a monumental moment in our history," Savannah Young-Slee added.

A small crowd gathered across from the memorial, though visibility was limited by barricades and a heavy police presence. Still, some locals considered it an unmissable moment.

"We've come down and seen the Pope, several popes, and I was just hoping to see him. Maybe you'll see him on the news tonight. I think I'll get a view from the living room" she said.

MEETING FAMILIES, FIRST RESPONDERS AND LEADERS

Following the tribute at the pools, Charles and Camilla met with a line of attendees including families of 9/11 victims and first responders, many holding photographs of lost loved ones.

Also present were New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, among other officials.

Mamdani, who briefly shook hands with the king, later said he intended to keep focus on remembrance rather than politics during the event. However, he acknowledged that under different circumstances he might raise historical issues, including a controversial remark about the Koh-i-Noor diamond, part of the Crown Jewels housed in the Tower of London.

The gemstone, seized during the Second Anglo-Sikh War in 1849 and later presented to Queen Victoria, remains claimed by several countries including India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.

ROYAL VISIT EXPANDS ACROSS NEW YORK CITY

Queen Camilla later visited the New York Public Library, where she added a Roo doll to its famous Winnie-the-Pooh collection. The visit included a walk-through with actress Sarah Jessica Parker, drawing attention from onlookers across Fifth Avenue.

Camilla also read to a group of public school children from Winnie-the-Pooh, a moment described as the highlight of the library stop.

The collection includes the original stuffed animals that inspired A.A. Milne’s stories, including Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and Kanga, donated in 1987 and considered a centerpiece of the library’s children’s archives.

KING CHARLES IN HARLEM AND GLOBAL ECONOMIC TALKS

Meanwhile, King Charles traveled to Harlem, where he visited Harlem Grown, a nonprofit focused on providing free, locally grown food to the community.

At the 134th Street farm, he planted lavender and mustard seeds with children, toured a chicken coop and observed a live food demonstration focused on nutrition and education.

Later in the day, the king joined economic and cultural leaders at Rockefeller Center to discuss transatlantic partnerships and shared initiatives. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the United States and the United Kingdom.

A STAR-STUDDED ROYAL RECEPTION AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER

The day concluded with a gala reception at Rockefeller Center featuring prominent figures from entertainment, fashion and philanthropy, including Lionel Richie, Anna Wintour, Martha Stewart and Donatella Versace.

Richie, a longtime collaborator with the King’s Trust, introduced the monarch to the audience.

King Charles closed his remarks with a lighthearted moment, saying, "I don't know how he does it. He must gargle with port or something."

He also joked about missing the singer’s performance, adding a rare note of humor to an otherwise formal evening.

A SYMBOLIC VISIT WITH GLOBAL UNDERTONES

This marks King Charles’ 20th visit to the United States and his first since ascending the throne. The trip, planned months in advance, comes amid international political tensions but remains focused on cultural diplomacy, environmental advocacy and economic cooperation.

Royal officials have emphasized that the visit is designed to reinforce long-standing ties between the United States and the United Kingdom, even as global challenges and diplomatic pressures continue to shape the international landscape.