King Charles of the United Kingdom led a poignant tribute at the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, marking 80 years since its liberation. The event, attended by several European royals and world leaders, paid homage to Holocaust survivors and emphasized the importance of memory and education for current and future generations.
The commemoration took place at Auschwitz-Birkenau, where King Charles became the first British head of state to visit the site. The king was joined by Denmark's King Frederik, Spain’s King Felipe, King Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, as well as Queen Letizia of Spain and Queen Mary of Denmark. The event also saw the presence of France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, showcasing a unified international effort to remember the atrocities of the Holocaust.
During the anniversary service, King Charles delivered a heartfelt speech underscoring the duty of remembrance.
"As the number of Holocaust survivors regrettably diminishes with the passage of time, the responsibility of remembrance rests far heavier on our shoulders, and on those of generations yet unborn." – His Majesty
His words echoed through the solemn gathering, highlighting the enduring task of educating future generations about the horrors that unfolded at Auschwitz.
Holocaust survivors played a central role in the ceremony, placing lights in front of a freight train carriage — a symbol deeply connected with the deportations during World War II. The king and other dignitaries followed suit, laying lights in memory of those who perished in the camp. This act of remembrance served as a powerful reminder of the millions of lives lost.
In a conversation prior to his visit, King Charles expressed the personal significance he attached to attending the anniversary.
"I feel I must go for the 80th anniversary, (it's) so important." – Charles
The event was preceded by a reception at Buckingham Palace, underlining its significance in the international community. In his closing remarks, King Charles emphasized the importance of reflection and education in shaping a better future.
"The act of remembering the evils of the past remains a vital task and in so doing, we inform our present and shape our future." – His Majesty
