King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to visit New York City on Wednesday, marking their first trip to the city in nearly 19 years.
During their day in Manhattan, the royal couple plans to honor those lost during the 9/11 attacks at the Memorial and Museum downtown, then head to the New York Public Library and the Harlem Community Center. This visit follows immediately after a trip to Washington, DC.
It’s been almost two decades since they were last in New York City.
Looking back, Prince William and Princess Kate made an appearance in the city in 2014 on behalf of the royal family.
Prince William and Princess Kate in 2014
In December of that year, while Kate was five months pregnant with Princess Charlotte, the couple, known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the time, had a busy schedule. They were seen courtside at Barclays Center, next to music personalities Beyoncé and Jay-Z, watching the Brooklyn Nets as they faced off against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Earlier that day, Prince William met with President Barack Obama in Midtown. Meanwhile, Kate visited the Harlem Children’s Center alongside the city’s then-First Lady, Charlaine McCray.
They also stopped by the 9/11 Memorial before concluding their trip at the annual Met Gala in Manhattan.
Queen Elizabeth in 2010
The last British monarch to visit New York was Queen Elizabeth II, who made her trip in July 2007. She faced an intense heat wave while laying flowers at Ground Zero, accompanied by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg and then-Governor David Patterson.
During her visit, she interacted with families of first responders affected by the terrorist attacks. Earlier that day, she also addressed the United Nations General Assembly, marking her first return to the UN in 53 years.
She stated, “When people look back on us in 53 years, they’re definitely going to see many of our ways as outdated. But I hope that when future generations decide, our willingness to take initiative will stand the test of time.”
King Charles in 2007
Charles and Camilla’s last visit to the city was in January 2007, shortly after their marriage. During this trip, they went to Promise Academy charter school in Harlem, where they saw a play rehearsal and Charles even made a basketball shot.
Princess Diana in 1997
Princess Diana’s visit to New York in June 1997 was notable, unfortunately marking her last trip before her tragic death just two months later.
After her separation from Charles, Diana, no longer an active royal, visited a mission in the Bronx. There, she spent time with Mother Teresa, discussing charity work together.
A few days later, she attended a gala for the launch of the 1997 Christie’s Dress Auction, which raised significant funds for her charitable initiatives, including support for cancer and AIDS patients.
