New York Public Library surprised by Camila's doll

Camilla, who was on an official visit to the United States with King Charles III of Britain, has presented a special gift to the New York Public Library. It is a doll representing 'Roo', the small kangaroo character from the globally popular children's story series 'Winnie-the-Pooh'.

The toy, adorned with a British flag and placed on a small pillow, was officially handed over to the library by her on the 29th.

Behind this gift lies a fascinating historical story. Five original toys that inspired author A. A. Milne to create his story series are currently on display at the New York Public Library. All these toys, including the teddy bear doll Milne bought from Harrods in London in 1921 for his son Christopher's first birthday, were his playthings in the 1920s. From his son's playtime, characters like Pooh, Kanga, Roo, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore emerged, and this year marks 100 years since the work was first published.

As the work gained worldwide popularity, an American publisher purchased the original toys that inspired these characters. However, Christopher had misplaced the 'Roo' toy in an orchard when he was young, so only the dolls Pooh, Kanga, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore could be taken to America. In 1998, a British Member of Parliament requested that these toys be returned to Britain, but then-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani firmly refused. Thus, with the new 'Roo' doll presented by Queen Camilla, filling a gap of several decades, the New York Public Library's 'Winnie-the-Pooh' collection is now complete.

Meanwhile, King Charles III and Queen Camilla also visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Manhattan on the same day, met with family members of those who died in the terrorist attacks, and laid floral tributes. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul were also present at the event. Respecting the tradition of refraining from making public speeches at such somber sites, the royal couple made no public statements there.

Nevertheless, Mayor Mamdani engaged in a brief conversation with King Charles there. He had previously stated to the media that he would strongly demand the return of the 'Koh-i-Noor' diamond when he met the King. This 105.6-carat diamond, acquired by the British East India Company during the annexation of Punjab in the 19th century and given to Queen Victoria, is considered a symbol of British colonial exploitation, with several countries, including India and Pakistan, claiming ownership of it. Mamdani's stance, born in Uganda, a former British colony, to parents of Indian origin, has already sparked considerable controversy.