King Charles and Queen Camilla visit 9/11 Memorial

King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum for the first time on 29 April during their state visit to the USA.

Their Majesties commemorated the 2,977 victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York City in their first engagement of the day. The visit took place a few months before the 25th anniversary of the tragic day.

The King and Queen laid a bouquet of white flowers on the memorial’s edge by the reflective pool in memory of the victims of the 2001 attack and the victims of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Picture by Ben Dance / FCDO

King Charles and Queen Camilla spoke to former NYC mayor and current Chairman of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, Michael Bloomberg, before meeting the families of the victims and first responders. The first responders shared their experiences in the aftermath of the attack.

Regarding the visit, Bloomberg said, “As New Yorkers and Americans, we are united in our pledge to never forget those we lost on 9/11. We will always remember the outpouring of support from so many people across the United Kingdom in the aftermath of the attacks and are grateful to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for returning to this sacred site.

“As a new generation learns about the day that shook our city and the world 25 years ago, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum continues to be a place of reflection and inspiration.”

Picture by Ben Dance / FCDO

Anthoula Katsimatides, 9/11 family member and trustee of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, expressed appreciation for the King and Queen, saying, “Though it has been 25 years since I lost my brother, John, I carry him with love in my heart every day. Each visitor to this sacred site helps preserve John’s memory. We’re deeply grateful to Their Majesties for honouring him and all those we hold dear.”

Their Majesties later met charities and organisations supporting the families of victims who work to preserve the legacy of 9/11 for future generations. Representatives from Tuesday’s Children and the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden were present. The Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Garden was opened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 in memory of the British and Commonwealth citizens who died in the attack.