King Charles pays tribute to the Holocaust on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

King attended events in Poland


On January 27, 2025, King Charles III participated in international ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. His presence highlighted his role as a leading advocate for Holocaust education and memory preservation. Joined by survivors, global leaders, and members of the Jewish community, the King underscored the importance of remembering the past and committing to a more compassionate future. The day’s events included visits to historic sites, symbolic tributes, and a reaffirmation of the ongoing need for Holocaust awareness.

One of the most poignant moments of the day occurred when King Charles lit a candle at Auschwitz-Birkenau in memory of the 1.1 million victims who perished there during the Second World War. The visit underscored the monarchy’s commitment to strengthening international relations and combating intolerance, while also emphasizing the need for educational initiatives focused on the Holocaust.

Following the main event, King Charles toured Auschwitz I, observing personal items confiscated from victims upon their arrival. These artifacts serve as harrowing reminders of the human cost of the Holocaust and the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations.

Ceremony at Auschwitz-Birkenau Brings Together Survivors and Leaders

The central commemoration took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau, where King Charles joined survivors, heads of state, and Jewish leaders in honoring the memory of the Holocaust’s victims. In a solemn gesture, the King lit a candle, paying tribute to the millions who lost their lives.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, liberated by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945, remains one of the most enduring symbols of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. On that day, over 7,000 prisoners were freed, but the camp’s operation over five years led to the deaths of approximately 1.1 million people, predominantly Jews.

Visit to Auschwitz I and the Significance of Historical Artifacts

After the main ceremony, King Charles visited Auschwitz I, where he viewed confiscated personal belongings, including shoes, suitcases, and clothing. These items offer a deeply personal perspective on the lives lost during the Holocaust and highlight the individual tragedies behind the overwhelming statistics.

The King also passed under the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Sets You Free”) gate, a chilling symbol of Nazi propaganda, crafted by prisoners under duress. The visit concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the “Death Wall,” where countless prisoners were executed. This silent, solemn act reflected the King’s profound respect and commitment to preserving the memory of those who suffered.

A Lifelong Commitment to Holocaust Memory and Education

King Charles has long been recognized for his dedication to Holocaust education and remembrance. As Patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, he has championed initiatives aimed at fostering understanding of this dark chapter in history. In 2022, as Prince of Wales, he commissioned portraits of Holocaust survivors as part of a project to honor their resilience and preserve their stories for posterity.

Queen Camilla has also been actively involved in Holocaust remembrance, working closely with the Anne Frank Trust to combat prejudice through education. Together, the royal couple has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting respect, tolerance, and understanding across communities.

Engagement with Kraków’s Jewish Community

Ahead of the commemorations at Auschwitz, King Charles visited the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) in Kraków, a facility he helped inaugurate in 2008. During his visit, the King met with religious leaders, local community members, and Ukrainian refugees supported by the center.

The JCC plays a vital role in rebuilding Jewish identity in Poland, offering education for children and support for refugees of various faiths. In his address, the King praised the center as a symbol of hope and recovery, emphasizing its transformative impact on the local community.

King  Charles III
King has a deep commitment to Holocaust Education – Foto: Divulgação

The Global Importance of Holocaust Education

The liberation of Auschwitz stands as a turning point in human history, highlighting the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the human spirit. Across Europe and beyond, schools, museums, and initiatives like those led by King Charles ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten.

Recent data reveals a concerning rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial, underscoring the need for continued education and awareness. Efforts to combat intolerance must remain a global priority, with Holocaust remembrance serving as a cornerstone of these initiatives.

A Call to Action for Future Generations

The 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation is not only a moment of reflection but also a call to action. King Charles’s participation reinforced the need to preserve historical memory while advocating for a world grounded in compassion and understanding.

By highlighting the work of institutions like Kraków’s JCC and paying tribute to the victims at Auschwitz, the King delivered a powerful message of hope and renewal. The preservation of historical sites and commitment to education remain essential in shaping a future rooted in respect and justice.

On January 27, 2025, King Charles III participated in international ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. His presence highlighted his role as a leading advocate for Holocaust education and memory preservation. Joined by survivors, global leaders, and members of the Jewish community, the King underscored the importance of remembering the past and committing to a more compassionate future. The day’s events included visits to historic sites, symbolic tributes, and a reaffirmation of the ongoing need for Holocaust awareness.

One of the most poignant moments of the day occurred when King Charles lit a candle at Auschwitz-Birkenau in memory of the 1.1 million victims who perished there during the Second World War. The visit underscored the monarchy’s commitment to strengthening international relations and combating intolerance, while also emphasizing the need for educational initiatives focused on the Holocaust.

Following the main event, King Charles toured Auschwitz I, observing personal items confiscated from victims upon their arrival. These artifacts serve as harrowing reminders of the human cost of the Holocaust and the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations.

Ceremony at Auschwitz-Birkenau Brings Together Survivors and Leaders

The central commemoration took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau, where King Charles joined survivors, heads of state, and Jewish leaders in honoring the memory of the Holocaust’s victims. In a solemn gesture, the King lit a candle, paying tribute to the millions who lost their lives.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, liberated by Soviet forces on January 27, 1945, remains one of the most enduring symbols of the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. On that day, over 7,000 prisoners were freed, but the camp’s operation over five years led to the deaths of approximately 1.1 million people, predominantly Jews.

Visit to Auschwitz I and the Significance of Historical Artifacts

After the main ceremony, King Charles visited Auschwitz I, where he viewed confiscated personal belongings, including shoes, suitcases, and clothing. These items offer a deeply personal perspective on the lives lost during the Holocaust and highlight the individual tragedies behind the overwhelming statistics.

The King also passed under the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Sets You Free”) gate, a chilling symbol of Nazi propaganda, crafted by prisoners under duress. The visit concluded with a wreath-laying ceremony at the “Death Wall,” where countless prisoners were executed. This silent, solemn act reflected the King’s profound respect and commitment to preserving the memory of those who suffered.

A Lifelong Commitment to Holocaust Memory and Education

King Charles has long been recognized for his dedication to Holocaust education and remembrance. As Patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, he has championed initiatives aimed at fostering understanding of this dark chapter in history. In 2022, as Prince of Wales, he commissioned portraits of Holocaust survivors as part of a project to honor their resilience and preserve their stories for posterity.

Queen Camilla has also been actively involved in Holocaust remembrance, working closely with the Anne Frank Trust to combat prejudice through education. Together, the royal couple has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to promoting respect, tolerance, and understanding across communities.

Engagement with Kraków’s Jewish Community

Ahead of the commemorations at Auschwitz, King Charles visited the Jewish Community Centre (JCC) in Kraków, a facility he helped inaugurate in 2008. During his visit, the King met with religious leaders, local community members, and Ukrainian refugees supported by the center.

The JCC plays a vital role in rebuilding Jewish identity in Poland, offering education for children and support for refugees of various faiths. In his address, the King praised the center as a symbol of hope and recovery, emphasizing its transformative impact on the local community.

King  Charles III
King has a deep commitment to Holocaust Education – Foto: Divulgação

The Global Importance of Holocaust Education

The liberation of Auschwitz stands as a turning point in human history, highlighting the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the human spirit. Across Europe and beyond, schools, museums, and initiatives like those led by King Charles ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten.

Recent data reveals a concerning rise in antisemitism and Holocaust denial, underscoring the need for continued education and awareness. Efforts to combat intolerance must remain a global priority, with Holocaust remembrance serving as a cornerstone of these initiatives.

A Call to Action for Future Generations

The 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation is not only a moment of reflection but also a call to action. King Charles’s participation reinforced the need to preserve historical memory while advocating for a world grounded in compassion and understanding.

By highlighting the work of institutions like Kraków’s JCC and paying tribute to the victims at Auschwitz, the King delivered a powerful message of hope and renewal. The preservation of historical sites and commitment to education remain essential in shaping a future rooted in respect and justice.

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