Mamdani’s ridiculous jewel request: Letters to the Editor — May 2, 2026

Britain's King Charles standing next to Queen Camilla interacts with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, in New York City, U.S., April 29, 2026. REUTERS

The Issue: Mayor Mamdani’s remark suggesting King Charles return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India.

Mayor Mamdani’s ignorance is exemplified by his offensive request of King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India (“A scold reception from Mam,” April 30).

This request implies that Britain stole the diamond from India. As a point of fact, it was the Islamic Mughal dynasty, led by Nader Shah, that initially looted the diamond from India a century prior to the East India Company annexing the Punjab in 1849.

Mamdani should relearn history instead of presenting a convenient, contrived TikTok version of it.

Alexander Schloss

Manhattan

An excellent example of what it looks like to be a petulant boy among men is when Charles shared public venues with President Trump and Mayor Mamdani.

While the president and British monarch shared mutually respectful, uplifting and humorous moments, even as their respectful nations have had disagreements, the childlike Zohran paddled on about a diamond that needed to be returned. How very sad.

Jim Soviero

East Setauket

The mayor’s concern about returning the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India is understandable. While he’s at it, he should have the provenance of every article in the Metropolitan Museum reviewed. Just saying.

Rita Molloy

Auburn, Maine

Mamdani’s warped way of governing is typical of a socialist and is turning the great city of New York into a hellish place to live.

His demand that Charles should hand over a jewel is delusional. Great Britain shouldn’t have to bow down to anyone.

To put it simply, the city of New York is in the hands of a communist.

John Kubenski Jr.

Canyon, Calif.

I have no idea what’s become of New York City voters. It’s incredible to me that they elected a mayor who never held a job in the private sector.

He indirectly insulted the king and queen of England by stating in private that Britain should return the Koh-i-Noor diamond. It was a disgusting display of his usual agenda.

All New York City voters who were taken in by his smile should be ashamed of themselves.

Louie Rey

Summerville, SC

King Charles’ response to New York City’s infantile mayor suggesting he should give back the Koh-i-Noor diamond should have been, “I’ll give back the diamond when you return Manhattan to the Native Americans.”

Bill Yermal

Jefferson, NJ

The modern Indian Republic has no special claim to the Koh-i-Noor. Its earliest known history is being owned by the Islamic Mughal emperors.

Before the British acquired the Koh-i-Noor, the diamond spent centuries being passed between rulers of Afghanistan and Persia, until Afghan king Shuja Shah Durrani fled to the Sikh Empire and sold the diamond for asylum.

Britain has as much right to the diamond as anyone else. Shall it be smashed into fragments for everyone?

By Mamdani’s logic, he should resign and give the city of New York — formerly New Amsterdam — back to Holland.

Robert Frazer

Salford, United Kingdom

Mamdani, you showed the world what an embarrassment you are.

How dare you lecture the king? You have no respect for the crown by demanding he return a crown jewel from India.

Hey, New York: I hope you see what a skunk you elected to represent your city.

George McNally

Somers Point, NJ

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to the White House and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum was nothing but class and honor — until Mamdani told reporters if he had the chance to speak to the king, he would demand the return of a crown jewel back to India. Who does he think he is?

He should keep his opinions to himself. He is disgraceful. Do us a favor, Mr. Mayor, and don’t show up at these events anymore with your agenda.

Bill McCreary

Levittown

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