“HRH Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, Honour the Legacy of the Holocaust victims at the 80th Anniversary Memorial for Auschwitz-Birkenau Liberation”
HRH’s Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended a deeply moving memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The event, held in Westminster, brought together Holocaust survivors, dignitaries, and members of the public to honour the six million Jewish lives lost and all those who suffered under Nazi persecution. The presence of the royal couple underscored their steadfast commitment to remembrance and education, ensuring the lessons of the past resonate with future generations.
As they arrived, the Prince and Princess were greeted warmly by survivors whose courage and resilience continue to inspire. Prince William, known for his heartfelt connection to those he meets, spent time listening intently to the survivors’ stories. Catherine, with her characteristic grace, offered words of comfort and admiration, recognising the importance of their testimony in keeping history alive.
The ceremony began with a solemn candle-lighting ritual. Together, Prince William and Catherine lit a memorial candle, a beacon of remembrance and hope amidst the shadows of history. Their act symbolised the enduring flame of humanity and the royal family’s dedication to standing against hatred and division.
Prince William delivered a powerful and emotional address, reflecting on the horrors of the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance in a world where prejudice still exists. He spoke of the unimaginable suffering endured by millions and the duty of society to ensure such atrocities are never repeated. His words resonated with a profound sense of responsibility, calling for unity, compassion, and vigilance.
The evening was marked by music, readings, and survivor testimonies, weaving together a tapestry of reflection and remembrance. Catherine was visibly moved as a young student recited a poem inspired by a Holocaust survivor’s journey, a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in bridging generations.
As the ceremony concluded, the royal couple spent private moments with survivors and their families, thanking them for their bravery in sharing their stories. Prince William’s words echoed long after the event: “In remembering, we honour the past, educate the present, and protect the future.”
Their attendance at the memorial was more than a royal duty—it was a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering understanding, compassion, and resilience. The Prince and Princess of Wales ensured that the light of remembrance burns brightly, inspiring hope for a kinder and more inclusive world.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also attended and, speaking at the service, said the Holocaust was a “collective endeavour” by ordinary people “consumed by the hatred of difference”.
The Prime Minister said: “We start by remembering the six million Jewish victims and by defending the truth against anyone who would deny it. So we will have a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre to speak this truth for eternity.
“But as we remember, we must also act. Because we say never again, but where was never again in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, or the acts of genocide against Yazidi.
“Today, we have to make those words mean more. So we will make Holocaust education a truly national endeavour.”
Sir Keir said all schools would teach the Holocaust and give opportunities to hear a recorded survivor testimony so that “we can develop that empathy for others and that appreciation of our common humanity, which is the ultimate way to defeat the hatred of difference”.