Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, with 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. With King Charles in Poland to mark the day, The Prince and Princess of Wales led commemorations in the UK, attending events that underscored the importance of remembrance and education about the Holocaust.
The events marked William and Catherine’s first joint public engagement of 2025, following their appearance at Sandringham on Christmas Day.

The Prince and Princess of Wales led the UK commemorations in marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Holocaust Memorial Day is marked annual on the 27th January, as part of the international Holocaust Remembrance Day, which remembers the victims of the Holocaust. Holocaust Remembrance Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly on 1st November 2005, following a special session on the 24th January to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. The Prince and Princess of Wales previously participated in the 75th anniversary of Holocaust Memorial Day in 2020, at Central Hall in Westminster, when they were still titled the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

The Prince and Princess of Wales lit candles to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
This year’s Memorial was held at the London’s Guildhall, with its location had been kept a secret from the public beforehand due to security reasons. In addition, The Princess’ attendance was not confirmed until a few hours prior to today’s events beginning – it comes as Catherine is gradually returning to royal duties following the announcement she is now in remission after undergoing treatment for cancer.
Before the event began, The Princess caught up Yvonne Bernstein and Stephen Frank, both of whom she photographed in 2020 as part of the Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors’ exhibition at the Imperial War Museum. “It was such a treat for me to come and see an old friend.” Catherine told Yvonne, before asking after her health as the 87-year-old has suffered some health problems. Stephen thanked the Princess for sending him a Christmas card.
So wonderful to see Holocaust survivors Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, who were photographed by The Princess with their grandchildren back in 2020. It is so important to come together, learn both from and about the past, and to take actions to make a better future for all. pic.twitter.com/yosDs67W3X
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 27, 2025
Prince William, meanwhile, spoke with Bergen-Belsen survivor Alfred Garwood and Bosnian genocide survivor Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie. William told them that Prince George is starting to understand things and that ‘it’s getting interesting to talk to him about what happened’.
The royal couple then joined 50 Holocaust and genocide survivors, along with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, for a commemorative group photo.

The Prince of Wales attended a ceremony to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
During the service, William and Catherine were joined by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, faith and civic leaders, and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The Prime Minister delivered remarks at the service.
During the ceremony, William and Catherine participated in a poignant candle-lighting ceremony to honour the lives lost. Prince William also delivered a heartfelt speech, stating: ‘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. We also remember those survivors who have lived with the scars, both mental and physical, as well as those who risked their own lives to help and save others.’
William highlighted the bravery of his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who sheltered Jewish refugees in Athens during World War II, defying Nazi forces. Princess Alice has been recognised as ‘Righteous Among the Nations’ by Yad Vashem and, in 2010, was named a Hero of the Holocaust by the British Government. She is buried at the Convent of St. Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane, on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
‘I was recently reminded of my great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who lived in Athens during the Second World War.” William told the gathered audience before reading about her from the ‘Hero’s of The Holocaust’ book. Concluding the speech, he told everyone that it was “a great honour for Catherine and I to join you all today. Thank you’.
Holocaust Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the past and the importance of standing against hatred, intolerance, and genocide in all forms. Through their participation, the Prince and Princess of Wales highlighted the significance of preserving the memories of survivors and honoring the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others. Their commitment underscores the ongoing responsibility to educate future generations about the Holocaust and to promote understanding, compassion, and unity in the face of division.