King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla paid tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks during their visit to New York City on Wednesday. The royal couple laid a bouquet of white lilacs, daffodils, and peonies at the 9/11 memorial in lower Manhattan, where the World Trade Center's twin towers once stood.

A note accompanying the flowers read: "We honour the memory of all those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001, and stand in enduring solidarity with the American people in the face of such profound loss. Charles R. Camilla R." The couple then met with relatives of victims and first responders.

Anthoula Katsimatides, whose brother died at the World Trade Center, told the Associated Press: "I found it extremely sweet that I was allowed to hug the queen. She was quite endearing, as was the king." King Charles also briefly spoke with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other local dignitaries.

Afterwards, the king toured an after-school urban farming initiative in Harlem that works with young people affected by food insecurity. At the Harlem Grown farm, Charles planted lavender and mustard seeds with primary school children and fed chickens.

The royal couple's four-day state visit to the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of America's declaration of independence from British rule. On Monday, King Charles and his wife joined President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump for tea at the White House.

On Tuesday, Charles delivered a rare speech before Congress, focusing on strengthening the UK-US friendship and arguing for a strong NATO and support for Ukraine. Following the speech, Trump said Charles III "would have probably helped" the United States in its military offensive against Iran, calling the king "fantastic."

The royal couple are expected to wrap up their US visit on Thursday with a formal farewell from Trump at the White House.

Source: www.dw.com