King Charles III and Queen Camilla expressed their "enduring solidarity with the American people" during a poignant visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York, commemorating the thousands of lives lost in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The royal couple left a handwritten note alongside a bouquet of white roses placed at the memorial, which honors the victims of the attacks that occurred almost 25 years ago. The note, written in the King's distinctive black script, 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. Charles R Camilla."
A Somber Moment of Reflection
The King and Queen laid the floral tribute at the edge of the south pool, one of two twin waterfall pools that form the centerpiece of the memorial known as "Reflecting Absence." These pools sit within the footprints of the World Trade Center's north and south towers, which were destroyed when hijacked passenger planes crashed into them on September 11, 2001.
The memorial is nestled among skyscrapers and surrounded by dozens of swamp white oak trees. The sound of cascading water creates a tranquil atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the bustling Manhattan streets nearby. The couple observed a somber moment of reflection, standing quietly at the pool's edge.
Accompanied by Michael Bloomberg
The royal couple was joined by media mogul and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who serves as chairman of the 9/11 Memorial Museum. Bloomberg took office as mayor just a few months after the 2001 attacks, and his presence added a layer of historical significance to the visit.
Surrounding the waterfalls, which plunge nearly 10 meters into a large basin before dropping another six meters into a central void, are the names of the victims of both the 9/11 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. According to the memorial's architect, Michael Arad, the pools represent "absence made visible." He noted that although water flows into the voids, they can never be filled, symbolizing the enduring loss felt by the nation.
The visit underscored the strong bond between the United Kingdom and the United States, with the King and Queen's gesture serving as a reminder of the shared grief and resilience in the face of tragedy.
