King Charles and Camilla remember 9/11 victims and meet their families as they visit

The King and Queen appeared deeply moved as they laid a floral tribute to the victims of 9/11 at the National September 11 Memorial New York.

Afterwards Camilla, 78, hugged a lady who lost her brother in the terror atrocity almost 25 years ago, as she and Charles chatted and held hands with the loved ones who remain.

On their first stop of a packed day of engagements in the city, Their Majesties visited the site of the original World Trade Center, which has been turned into a tranquil oasis of remembrance.

It features two pools of water inscribed with the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 attacks, as well as those who died in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

They were greeted by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, chairman of the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, and Beth Hillman, its president and CEO.

In brilliant sunshine, they were invited to stand by the restful ever-flowing waters where they laid a bouquet of white roses and stood for a few moments of reflection.

The handwritten note by the King read: ‘We honour the memory of all those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001, and stand in every lasting solidarity with the American people in the face of such awful loss. Charles and Camilla.’

They were also shown a single white rose placed on the name of Robert E Russell, who was 52 when he was killed in the attack on the Pentagon. 

Staff and volunteers lay a single white rose in tribute each day to all victims who would have celebrated their birthday on that day.

The Queen wore a navy blue crepe silk dress and coat by Fiona Clare for the occasion, with the late Queen’s red, white and blue Britannia brooch.

Afterwards, they were shown to a group of families and first responders, where they met bubbly Anthoulia Katsimatides, whose brother, John, was working for Cantor Fitzgerald, and was just 31 when he died on the 104th floor of The World Trade Center.

She showed the Queen a picture of John and the two women held hands as they spoke. She then whispered something in Camilla’s ear and repeated it – before the Queen leant forwards and gave her a hug.

Speaking afterwards, Anthoulia said she felt so moved that she just wanted to ask the Queen for a hug.

‘I asked could I hug her. She didn’t hear it at first so I repeated myself and she smiled and said “of course'”. I’m from Queens and am Greek – and we hug,’ she smiled tearfully.

‘John was such a good family man, a lovely man. He was 31 and single and living his best life, he absolutely loved his family and was quite religious. I often say that he was praying when he died.

‘It’s a real honour for them to come and visit to pay their respects. I can’t stop crying, but it’s fine. The memories are as fresh for me today as they were 25 years ago. 

‘It’s hard. Obviously they pass, some days they are at the forefront and others you just get on with your life.

‘One of the big concerns for us is that a generation is growing up not knowing 9/11 and what happened. So to bring a King here to remember the 25th anniversary is so important. It reminds people. We all have a personal story to tell.

‘When I showed the Queen my picture of John she smiled and called him a looker, which was cute.

‘And she told me she thought this memorial was quite peaceful, she loved the sounds of the running water and the canopy of trees. And she said: “Does it bring you peace?” And you know, it does. 

‘It’s just nice that she care enough even to have a conversation. It wasn’t just a hello, you are welcome. She really listened. She seemed very warm, and beautiful. She has beautiful eyes. She’s a lovely, lovely lady.’

Their Majesties walked down the line shaking hands and listening to people’s stories, including those who were involved in the rescue efforts after the attacks and current serving personnel to hear about the human impact and legacy of the atrocity.

They also met some of New York’s elected officials, including the Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, whose inclusion has excited many American political commentators.

Ugandan-born Mamdani is considered an outspoken ‘post-colonalist’ with little regard for the Royal Family.

He said ahead of their meeting: ‘I will be attending the wreath-laying … to pay tribute to the more than 3,000 who were killed in the horrific terror attacks of September 11. And that will be the extent of my meeting with the king and with others who are present.’

His father, respected academic Mahmood Mamdani, specialises in the study of African and international politics, colonialism and post-colonialism, and has written on the lasting impacts of British colonial rule in Africa including in Uganda.

Just last month, the mayor drew parallels between the war in the Middle East and British rule over Ireland.

However the King and Queen frequently meet politicians of all political persuasions through their work and no major ceremony in the city would be complete without the Mayor being present. 

The meeting appeared to pass without hitch, with warm smiles from both Charles and Mamdani.

The couple also spoke to the Governors of New York State and New Jersey State, Kathy Hochul and Mikie Sherill, as well as Commonwealth representatives, recognising those who lost their lives across the Commonwealth family.

Before departing, The King and Queen met charities and organisations supporting the families of victims and preserving the legacy of 9/11 for future generations, including Tuesday’s Children – which provides youth mentoring, community programmes and events.

They also met representatives from the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden – which was opened by Her late Majesty in 2010 as a permanent living memorial to the British and Commonwealth citizens who died in the attacks.

Speaking afterwards the president of the memorial, Beth Hillman, said: ‘It’s been a tremendous honour to have Their Majesties here as we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and to see them interact with family members and first responders. 

‘To recognise what happened that day and what has happened since and the consequences of terrorise. 

‘Our mission is to commemorate what happened on 9/11 and educate the people, especially those too young to remember, and inspire them.

‘King Charles and Queen Camilla being here is a great opportunity to expand that awareness. They spoke in thoughtful ways to all of the family members and listened to their stories as they shared their sense of loss and what happened on that day.’

Afterwards Their Majesties will undertake separate engagements in the city – her a literacy event, and he an after-school urban farming project and business meeting – before coming together for a star-studded engagement celebrating the cream of UK and US culture.

They will fly back to Washington tonight for formal farewells with President Trump and First Lady Melania tomorrow morning at the White House before concluding their four-day visit with an afternoon of engagements in Virginia including a fun ‘Block Party’ in a local community.

This third day of the visit comes after a series of engagements in Washington, including Charles’s address to congress and the state banquet on Tuesday.

One moment from the proceedings that has raised eyebrows came when Donald Trump divulged, during his speech at the dinner, that the King agreed Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

Trump said: ‘We’re doing a little work in the Middle East right now. And we’re doing very well.

‘We have militarily defeated that particular opponent and we are never going to let that opponent ever – Charles agrees with me, even more than I do – we will never let that opponent have a nuclear weapon. They know that.’

The President’s words were greeted with cheers by many of the 120-strong diners.

Buckingham Palace has moved to smooth over the fallout from Trump’s claim, which broke with the protocol against revealing the King’s privately held opinions.

The Palace said this morning: ‘The King is naturally mindful of his Government’s longstanding and well-known position on the prevention of nuclear proliferation.’