The King and Queen have expressed their "enduring solidarity with the American people" during a poignant visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York, commemorating those who lost their lives nearly 25 years ago.
Royal Tribute at Ground Zero
Charles and Camilla placed a bouquet of white roses at the edge of the south reflecting pool, one of the twin waterfall pools that sit in the footprints of the World Trade Centre's north and south towers. The pools, part of the memorial called Reflecting Absence, honour the thousands of victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing.
The King left a handwritten note in his distinctive black script, which read: "We honour the memory of 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."
Sombre Reflection
The couple were joined by Michael Bloomberg, media mogul and former New York mayor who took office just months after the 9/11 attacks. Bloomberg now serves as chairman of the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The group observed a moment of quiet reflection beside the cascading water, which plunges almost 10 metres into a large basin before dropping another six metres into a central void.
According to the memorial's architect, Michael Arad, the pools represent "absence made visible." Although water flows into the voids, they can never be filled, symbolising the enduring loss felt by the nation.
Enduring Legacy
The memorial site, nestled among skyscrapers and filled with dozens of swamp white oak trees, offers a tranquil oasis away from bustling Manhattan. The sound of falling water creates a serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to reflect on the tragic events of that day.
The King and Queen's visit underscores the strong bond between the United Kingdom and the United States, as they continue to honour the memory of those who perished and stand in solidarity with the American people.
