King Charles will visit Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, joining other dignitaries and Holocaust survivors for the occasion. The visit, taking place next week, is part of the royal’s longstanding commitment to remembering the Holocaust and educating future generations about its horrors.
According to Buckingham Palace, during his visit, the King will attend a service at the Auschwitz-Birkenau museum and memorial, which signifies the historic importance of this site where more than one million individuals, primarily Jews, were murdered during World War II. The event aims to honor the memory of those who suffered and highlight the importance of Holocaust education.
Before the main commemorative service, King Charles will engage with members of the local community in Krakow, reinforcing the bond between the UK and Poland, as well as acknowledging the resilience of those who survived such atrocities. The King will also meet with Poland's President Andrzej Duda, emphasizing diplomatic ties and shared historical remembrance.
The upcoming trip marks the King’s fifth visit to Poland, following previous visits including one with Queen Consort Camilla in 2008, and another during a broader European tour in 2010, which included Hungary and the Czech Republic. This consistent presence reflects the King's dedication to engaging with international historical issues, particularly those affecting the Jewish community.
The announcement of the visit precedes Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, when King Charles will host a reception at Buckingham Palace. This event will spotlight projects focused on educating younger generations about the Holocaust, showcasing the need for remembrance and awareness of this tragic chapter in history.
Among those attending the reception will be Manfred Goldberg, a 94-year-old Holocaust survivor who endured life within concentration camps and survived forced marches. His personal story, and the stories of many like him, serve as poignant reminders of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, which saw the systematic murder of six million Jewish men, women, and children.
Auschwitz-Birkenau itself was liberated on January 27, 1945, by soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front, marking one of the key turning points toward the end of the Nazi regime. The camp had become emblematic of the horrors of human extermination, and its liberation is recognized as a significant moment for humanity.
King Charles' visit is not merely ceremonial; it embodies the royal family's commitment to ensuring such memories are preserved and honored. His engagement with both survivors and dignitaries reflects the importance of fostering dialogue about the past and ensuring history is neither forgotten nor repeated.
Such acts of remembrance are especially impactful at times when antisemitism and racism remain prevalent issues worldwide. The King’s participation serves as both symbolic support for those continuing to advocate for human rights and as a call to action against intolerance.
At the heart of this visit lies the collective memory of the Holocaust, emphasizing the necessity of education around such topics. King Charles is continuing the royal tradition of supporting Holocaust remembrance programs and ensuring the legacies of survivors are honored.
This milestone is both a moment of reflection and of proactive commitment to securing the lessons learned from history. By attending, the King not only pays homage to the victims but also strengthens the ties between nations united by shared histories.