King Charles III hosted a poignant event at Buckingham Palace ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day, emphasising the vital importance of educating future generations about the Holocaust.
The gathering brought together three organisations dedicated to Holocaust education and remembrance, underscoring His Majesty’s unwavering commitment to preserving the memory of those who suffered and perished during this dark chapter of history.
The King welcomed 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg to the Palace. (Royal Family)
A key figure at the event was 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg. Goldberg, who endured the horrors of concentration camps, including Stutthof, and survived a harrowing death march as a schoolboy, has been a tireless advocate for Holocaust education. His Majesty expressed deep concern about the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors, remarking that he “can’t bear” the thought of their stories fading from memory.
Ahead of the reception, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles would join dignitaries and Holocaust survivors at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial in Poland to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Speaking with Goldberg about his upcoming trip, the King noted the personal significance of the event, stating, “It’s so important.”
The King hosted the reception ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day. (Holocaust Educational Trust)
The reception also showcased artistic tributes to survivors. Portraits of seven Holocaust survivors, commissioned by King Charles during his time as Prince of Wales, were displayed. These works, including one of Goldberg, pay homage to a passing generation whose testimonies offer critical lessons for humanity.
Three groundbreaking UK initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the Holocaust were also presented at the Palace. One was 80 Candles for 80 Years, a nationwide project by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust that features 80 bespoke candleholders created by groups across the UK to honour individuals and communities persecuted by the Nazis. Among them was a candleholder inspired by Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, a cellist who survived Auschwitz by joining the Women’s Orchestra. Designed by students Amy and Nadia, the piece incorporated musical notes, broken glass, and human figures to symbolise Lasker-Wallfisch’s resilience and hope. After chatting with a group of students about their designs, the King lit another candle in remembrance and expressed hope: “I hope this will last a long time, keep the memory alive.”
Charles learnt how AI is playing a role in educating students about the Holocaust. (Royal Family)
The event also featured an innovative digital education program from the Holocaust Educational Trust. This groundbreaking initiative uses AI and virtual reality to bring Holocaust testimonies to life for students and future generations. The King tested the technology, asking what message survivors wished to leave behind. Drawing on Goldberg’s testimony, the AI responded: “I would like people to become and remain aware that indifference is a very dangerous response to injustice.”
The King lit a candle to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. (Royal Family)
The evening concluded with a performance by Echo Eternal, a commemorative arts and community engagement project. This initiative invites schools and youth organisations to create responses to the testimonies of British Holocaust survivors. The performance included original songs by children from Birmingham academies, such as “We Are The Light,” which celebrated defiance against hatred and prejudice.
Laura Marks CBE, Chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s Board of Trustees, highlighted the significance of the event: “The longstanding commitment to Holocaust education and commemoration by our Patron, His Majesty The King, bears testament to its importance to our whole nation. It was an honour to witness the schoolchildren, Amy and Nadia, with their teachers and museum professionals, proudly present their candleholder to The King and confidently share their learning through the project. While not every participant in the 80 Candles initiative will meet His Majesty, thousands have created candleholders, delved deeply into Holocaust history, and committed to challenging prejudice and identity-based hatred.”
During the reception, His Majesty heard music from Echo Eternal. (Royal Family)
As Patron of the Trust, King Charles has consistently demonstrated his dedication to Holocaust remembrance and education. His engagement with survivors, students, and educators highlights his determination to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust remain a vital part of collective memory.
The event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembrance and education in combating hatred and indifference. Through the King’s leadership and the efforts of survivors, educators, and young people, the memory of the Holocaust and its lessons will continue to inspire future generations.
