King Charles will meet survivors at the site of the former concentration camp in Poland.
King Charles is set to travel to Auschwitz-Birkenau on Holocaust Memorial Day to commemorate the 80th anniversary of its liberation. His visit will include meeting Holocaust survivors and attending a solemn service at the site of the former Nazi concentration and extermination camp in Poland. During his brief visit, the King will also meet Polish President Andrzej Duda.
The Prince of Wales, meanwhile, will lead official commemorations in London, honouring the millions of victims of the Holocaust. The events come as political and civic leaders across Britain emphasise the importance of remembrance and the fight against modern forms of antisemitism and hatred.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has highlighted the day’s significance, describing the Holocaust as a “collective endeavour by thousands of ordinary people utterly consumed by the hatred of difference.” He added, “That is the hatred we stand against today, and it is a collective endeavour for all of us to defeat it.”
A call for action and education
In a statement, Sir Keir reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring Holocaust education is a national priority. He pledged to make survivor testimonies accessible to students across the country, helping younger generations understand the atrocity and develop empathy.
“The Holocaust happened, and it can happen again,” Sir Keir warned. “That is the lesson we must heed. To make ‘never again’ truly meaningful, we must act decisively to counter hatred and discrimination.”
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister visited Auschwitz, where he vowed to continue the fight against the “poison of antisemitism.” He recently hosted Holocaust survivors and their families at Downing Street, calling the experience “an incredible privilege” and commending their “remarkable courage.”
Confronting modern antisemitism
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of addressing the resurgence of antisemitism.
“This year, we solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. While we honour the memory of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, we must also confront the alarming rise of antisemitism globally and here in the UK,” she said.
She expressed concern about antisemitism often masquerading as anti-Zionism, warning of its prevalence on UK streets and university campuses. “The Holocaust stands as a unique evil in human history. Its lessons must never be forgotten as we combat antisemitism to ensure that ‘never again’ truly means never again,” Ms Badenoch said.
Remembering the atrocities
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey urged vigilance in safeguarding human rights, compassion, and peace. “Eighty years ago, 7,000 people were liberated from Auschwitz. Free at last, after years of unimaginable misery,” he said.
Reflecting on the atrocities, Sir Ed noted, “At Auschwitz alone, 1.1 million people were murdered by the Nazis, mostly Jews. We must never forget how six million Jews were systematically killed in the Holocaust. It is our duty to ensure the memory of these horrors continues to guide us.”
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Sir Ed paid tribute to Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, who passed away in October. Quoting her memoir, he shared her memory of an American soldier handing her a banknote upon liberation, inscribed with the words: ‘A start to a new life. Good luck and happiness.’
“She reminded us that even in the darkest of times, compassion and humanity endure,” Sir Ed said. “We must honour her legacy by striving for a world rooted in hope and kindness.”
A global reminder
As King Charles prepares to visit Auschwitz, his presence underscores Britain’s commitment to remembering the Holocaust and promoting a united effort against hatred. The visit coincides with international calls to remember the atrocities committed and confront modern antisemitism, ensuring that future generations learn from history’s darkest chapters.
The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust also called on individuals to reflect on the impact of hatred and discrimination, urging communities to commit to tolerance and understanding.
King Charles’s visit to Auschwitz on this significant day will stand as a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the enduring importance of remembrance and vigilance in the face of hatred.
