The King and Queen appeared deeply moved today as they laid a floral tribute to the victims of 9/11 at the National September 11 Memorial in New York.

Camilla, 78, was seen hugging a woman who lost her brother in the terror atrocity almost 25 years ago, as she and Charles chatted and held hands with the loved ones who remain.

On their first stop of a packed day of engagements in the city, Their Majesties visited the site of the original World Trade Center, which has been turned into a tranquil oasis of remembrance.

It features two pools of water inscribed with the names of the nearly 3,000 victims of the 2001 attacks, as well as those who died in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

They were greeted by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, chairman of the 9/11 Museum and Memorial, and Beth Hillman, its president and CEO.

In brilliant sunshine, they were invited to stand by the restful ever-flowing waters where they laid a bouquet of white roses and stood for a few moments of reflection.

The handwritten note by the King read: ‘We honour the memory of all those who so tragically lost their lives on 11th September 2001, and stand in every lasting solidarity with the American people in the face of such awful loss. Charles and Camilla.’

They were also shown a single white rose placed on the name of Robert E Russell, who was 52 when he was killed in the attack on the Pentagon.

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Queen Camilla warmly embraces a family member of a 9/11 victim

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The King and Queen laid a bouquet of flowers on the edge of one of the pools of the 9/11 memorial

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The Royal couple also left a handwritten note, which said they stand in ‘enduring solidarity with the American people and in the face of their profound loss’

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The King and Queen worked their way down a line of first responders

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The bouquet was placed on stones that bear the names of 9/11 victims

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The accompanying handwritten note by the King and Queen said they stand in ‘enduring solidarity with the American people and in the face of their profound loss’

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King Charles looked contemplative during a ceremony to remember the victims of the terror attack

Staff and volunteers lay a single white rose in tribute each day to all victims who would have celebrated their birthday on that day.

The Queen wore a navy blue crepe silk dress and coat by Fiona Clare for the occasion, with the late Queen’s red, white and blue Britannia brooch.

Afterwards, they were shown to a group of families and first responders, where they met Anthoulia Katsimatides, whose brother, John, was working for Cantor Fitzgerald, and was just 31 when he died on the 104th floor of The World Trade Center.

She showed the Queen a picture of John and the two women held hands as they spoke. She then whispered something in Camilla’s ear and repeated it – before the Queen leant forwards and gave her a hug.

Speaking afterwards, Anthoulia said she felt so moved that she just wanted to ask the Queen for a hug.

‘I asked could I hug her. She didn’t hear it at first so I repeated myself and she smiled and said “of course”. I’m from Queens and am Greek – and we hug,’ she smiled tearfully.

‘John was such a good family man, a lovely man. He was 31 and single and living his best life, he absolutely loved his family and was quite religious. I often say that he was praying when he died.

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They were first escorted around the site by former New York mayor, Michael Bloomberg, left

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The King met with the current Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, who is known to have little regard for the royal family

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The Queen wore a navy blue crepe silk dress and coat both by Fiona Clare for the engagement

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The King spent a considerable amount of time talking with officials and those who were affected by the 2001 attacks

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Their Majesties will also observe a moment of silent reflection to remember the victims of the 2001 terror attacks

‘It’s a real honour for them to come and visit to pay their respects. I can’t stop crying, but it’s fine. The memories are as fresh for me today as they were 25 years ago.

‘It’s hard. Obviously they pass, some days they are at the forefront and others you just get on with your life.

‘One of the big concerns for us is that a generation is growing up not knowing 9/11 and what happened. So to bring a King here to remember the 25th anniversary is so important. It reminds people. We all have a personal story to tell.

‘When I showed the Queen my picture of John she smiled and called him a looker, which was cute.

‘And she told me she thought this memorial was quite peaceful, she loved the sounds of the running water and the canopy of trees. And she said: “Does it bring you peace?” And you know, it does.

‘It’s just nice that she care enough even to have a conversation. It wasn’t just a hello, you are welcome. She really listened. She seemed very warm, and beautiful. She has beautiful eyes. She’s a lovely, lovely lady.’

Their Majesties walked down the line shaking hands and listening to people’s stories, including those who were involved in the rescue efforts after the attacks and current serving personnel to hear about the human impact and legacy of the atrocity.

They also met some of New York’s elected officials, including the Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, whose inclusion has excited many American political commentators.