Prince William and Princess Kate attended a poignant Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony at London's Guildhall's Great Hall, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Hosted by BBC presenter Reeta Chakrabarti, the event brought together Holocaust survivors, dignitaries, and the royal couple to remember the millions who perished during the Holocaust and other genocides. The ceremony included powerful readings, music, and emotional testimonies from survivors.
The event featured readings from TV star Rob Rinder and actress Bel Powley, weaving stories of resilience amid the backdrop of history. Survivors shared their harrowing experiences through archival films and personal testimonies, as the royal couple watched solemnly. The presence of Prince William and Princess Kate provided a significant moment of reflection and remembrance for all attendees.
Following the ceremony, Princess Kate embraced Yvonne Bernstein and Steven Frank during a reception for around 50 survivors. In her exchange with them, she expressed her delight in seeing them again, describing it as a "treat." The emotional reunion highlighted the deep connections forged during previous meetings with survivors.
Olivia Marks-Woldman, in her address, commended the survivors for their attendance and emphasized the importance of remembering history accurately.
"Your presence and contributions today send a powerful message at this time of increased Holocaust distortion and inversion of the imperative of safeguarding the historical record and for us all to take personal responsibility to uphold the truth of the past and work towards a better future." – Olivia Marks-Woldman
Princess Kate also took a moment to pose for a photograph with Bergen-Belsen survivor Rachel Levy and Robert George Berkowitz, further illustrating her dedication to honoring these individuals. Meanwhile, Prince William engaged in heartfelt conversation with Polish-born Alfred Garwood, who survived Bergen-Belsen as a child, and Bosnian genocide survivor Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie.
In his solemn reading during the ceremony, Prince William reflected on the gravity of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.
"I am honoured to join you today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides." – William
He underscored the enduring impact on survivors, acknowledging their courage.
"We also remember those survivors who have lived with scars, both mental and physical." – William
"Their bravery, in sharing with us the most harrowing moments of their lives, are extremely powerful and ensure that we never forget. I assure them we never will." – William
He expressed gratitude for being part of such a significant commemoration.
"It has been a great honour for Catherine and I to join you all today.” – William
As part of the day's activities, the royal couple joined 50 Holocaust survivors for a photograph alongside Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. This gesture further cemented their commitment to remembering history's lessons.
A guest at the event shared their admiration for Princess Kate's warmth and kindness.
"My grandchildren will be thrilled when I tell them all about it when I get home. Kate is warm and kind and just a lovely person. [It was] lovely to see her. And she looked well, I thought, as well. I asked her how she was, and she said she was fine, and that's a good thing too." – A guest
Prince William echoed the sentiment of preserving history's narratives for future generations.
"There is a lot of history at this table, we need to hear it all." – William
"It's so important that these stories are written down. They are still relevant stories." – William
The ceremony concluded with an evocative moment as the royal couple lit commemorative candles on stage. Accompanied by cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason playing Schindler's List, this act served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of those who suffered.
