“King Charles III’s Historic and moving visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau: Commemorating 80 Years Since Liberation”
On 27 January 2025, King Charles III made a deeply moving and historic visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp. This marked the first time a British monarch has visited Auschwitz, reinforcing his longstanding commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education.
During the visit, King Charles delivered a poignant speech that emphasised the critical importance of never forgetting the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. He described the day as “a sacred duty” to honour the memory of the victims and a solemn reminder of the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and indifference. The King also highlighted the urgent need for younger generations to understand the history of the Holocaust as the number of living survivors dwindles. His speech resonated with messages of reflection, vigilance, and a commitment to prevent such atrocities in the future.
The King began his tour at the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” gate, walking solemnly into the camp. He visited several key sites, including the barracks, gas chambers, and the “Death Wall,” where many prisoners were executed. At the wall, he laid a wreath adorned with the words: “In everlasting remembrance of all those who suffered here.” The moment was marked by silence and visible emotion.
King Charles also engaged with Holocaust survivors during his tour, listening to their powerful testimonies of resilience and unimaginable suffering. Survivors shared personal accounts of their experiences, from the horrors of the camp to their lives after liberation. The King expressed deep admiration for their courage and their dedication to educating the world about the Holocaust.
The commemorative ceremony included candle-lighting and prayers in memory of the 1.1 million people, including Jews, Poles, Romani, and others, who perished in Auschwitz-Birkenau. World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, joined the event, demonstrating global unity in preserving Holocaust memory. King Charles’s visit reinforced his role as a global advocate for tolerance and remembrance, making a profound impact on all in attendance and inspiring ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism and hatred worldwide.
King Charles delivered a poignant speech at the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow. He emphasized the solemnity of the occasion, stating, “To be in Poland on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as we commemorate eighty years since the liberation of Auschwitz, is both a sombre and indeed a sacred moment.” The King honored the memory of the six million Jews and others who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust, highlighting the depths of human cruelty when “evil is allowed to flourish.” He also paid tribute to survivors like Lily Ebert, who taught the importance of cherishing freedom and challenging prejudice. Acknowledging the diminishing number of survivors, King Charles stressed that “the responsibility of remembrance rests far heavier on our shoulders, and on those of generations yet unborn.” He praised the rebirth of Krakow’s Jewish community, symbolized by the vibrant Jewish Community Centre, which he had inaugurated 17 years prior. Concluding his speech, the King called upon all to use the lessons of the past to inspire the building of “a kinder and more compassionate world for future generations.”
HRH King Charles visited Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter as part of the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. His visit to the heart of Krakow’s Jewish community symbolised a tribute to the resilience and cultural heritage of those who suffered during the Holocaust. The King met with local Jewish leaders and Holocaust educators, exploring sites of historical significance that once thrived as vibrant centres of Jewish life. His presence highlighted the enduring importance of preserving the memory of the Holocaust while fostering understanding and tolerance. This visit set the tone for the solemn ceremonies to follow at Auschwitz, underscoring the commitment to remembrance and reconciliation.