Zohran Mamdani would ask King Charles to return Kohinoor Diamond — but return it where?

U.K. RoyalsZohran Mamdani would ask King Charles to return Kohinoor Diamond — but return it where?The diamond is believed to have been mined in South India in the 13th century and passed through rulers until being taken by the British Empire in its colonial rule over India. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00 body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__container, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) .article-hero__media-holder, body:has(.jw-flag-floating) #content { z-index: auto; } Add NBC News to GoogleTracing the origins of the notorious Kohinoor Diamond03:56Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 30, 2026, 2:08 PM EDT / Updated April 30, 2026, 2:14 PM EDTBy Doha MadaniNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani touched on a very sensitive international debate ahead of meeting King Charles III on Wednesday by bringing up the controversial ownership of a British crown jewel. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Mamdani was at an unrelated press conference on Wednesday morning when he was asked how he envisioned his meeting with Charles at the 9/11 memorial alongside other local and state leadership. The mayor responded that the visit itself should focus on the victims of the tragic terror attack that happened nearly 25 years ago. "If I was to speak to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Kohinoor diamond," Mamdani added. 00:53NYC Mayor Mamdani on what he would say to King Charles00:0000:00The diamond, also spelled Koh-i-noor, is believed to be have been mined in South India in the 13th century. It was originally 186 carats, earning it the name which means “Mountain of Light." Many consider the diamond to have been stolen by the British Empire through a controversial agreement with a 10-year-old king when the imperialist nation colonized India. There have been calls online to return the diamond, though even India's claim to the diamond has been debated du...