King Charles III’s recent visit to the United States included a poignant stop at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, where he honoured the memory of those lost during the tragic events of 9/11. On April 29, 2026, accompanied by Queen Camilla, the royal couple participated in a solemn ceremony, expressing their condolences for the victims, including 67 British citizens.
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The day was marked by a sense of reflection as the King and Queen laid a bouquet of white flowers at the edge of the south reflecting pool. This act was both respectful and meaningful, coming nearly 25 years after the devastating attacks took place. A performance of “Taps” filled the air before the royals moved on to engage with families and first responders who have been profoundly affected by that day.
Will Jimeno, a retired detective from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, was among those who had the opportunity to meet the King and Queen. Jimeno, who was one of just two officers rescued alive from the rubble of the World Trade Center after being trapped for 13 hours, described receiving the invitation to meet King Charles as a surprising honour. Initially, he had considered declining the invitation due to his plans for a turkey hunting trip, but upon learning he could bring his wife, Allison, he quickly agreed.
Inside the memorial, which was devoid of the usual crowds for the royal visit, Jimeno and other attendees awaited the arrival of the King and Queen, who were escorted by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, now the chair of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The royal couple began their visit by laying flowers at the memorial pool before proceeding to meet with survivors and their families.
Jimeno expected a brief interaction, but what transpired was far more engaging. “It wasn’t just a ‘shake hands and move on’ moment,” he remarked, noting the genuine interest and attentiveness the King displayed. During their discussion, Queen Camilla expressed her surprise at Jimeno’s ordeal, especially considering his wife’s pregnancy at the time of the attacks. “She was very taken aback,” Jimeno recalls, illustrating the compassionate atmosphere of the meeting.
King Charles continued the conversation thoughtfully, inquiring about Allison and referring to her as a “pillar of strength.” Jimeno also spoke of his family’s connection to the royal family, noting that his wife is a devoted fan. The King’s warm response showcased a genuine interest in their lives and experiences.
The dialogue shifted when Jimeno shared a recent turkey hunting trip with his daughter, Olivia. The King’s unexpected curiosity about this pastime caught Jimeno off guard. “His eyes opened up,” Jimeno laughed, noting it was a surprising yet memorable moment during their conversation. The King’s willingness to engage on such a personal topic highlighted the nature of their interaction, transcending the typical formalities associated with royal audiences.
Jimeno reflected on the overall tone of the encounter, noting that the royals devoted time to truly listen to the stories of those present. Although he anticipated a 30-minute engagement, the meeting extended to nearly an hour, signalling the profound respect and interest the King and Queen held for the people affected by the tragedy.
During the visit, Jimeno presented Queen Camilla with a small emblem, a Port Authority Police gold shield pin. This token was especially significant, commemorating the 37 officers from his department who lost their lives during the attacks—the highest number among any agency that day. Jimeno recalled the Queen’s heartfelt appreciation for the gesture.
The visit served a greater purpose beyond ceremonial duties, underscoring the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States—a bond that has strengthened over the years since the events of 9/11. “We might have started as foes, but we’re very, very strong friends today,” Jimeno noted, reiterating the unity between the nations.
For Jimeno, who has dedicated himself to sharing his experiences through public speaking and writings, this encounter was not just a fleeting moment but a sincere exchange. “I never thought I would meet a king or a queen,” he reflected, adding that the kindness shown to him and others at Ground Zero would remain the most memorable aspect of the day.
The visit of King Charles and Queen Camilla not only provided a chance to honour the victims of a tragic chapter in history but also reinforced the personal connections and shared humanity that continue to resonate following such an event.