A message from The King on Holocaust Memorial Day 2023
Published
In learning from the horrors of the Holocaust and the genocides which followed, we can all recommit to the vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit, and care for others that are the surest defences of hope.
I would like to offer a heartfelt welcome to the 2023 Holocaust Memorial Day National Commemoration.
This annual commemoration is a truly profound occasion in which the United Kingdom comes together to remember those who were murdered, to honour those who survived, and to resolve to work to ensure that the horrors of the past never happen again.
The theme for this year's Holocaust Memorial Day – Ordinary People – reminds us how it was ordinary people who were the perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers, and witnesses to the Holocaust, and its victims. Ultimately, we are all ordinary people, each of us with a role to play and a responsibility to use our gifts for the benefit – not destruction – of our world and humankind. Over many years, I have been deeply touched to have met so many Holocaust survivors, all of them extraordinary people who faced unimaginable horror.
Their strength and determination to share their testimonies is an inspiration to us all. These are people who, despite having suffered so much, have gone on to live the most incredible, flourishing lives in the United Kingdom, and made a remarkable contribution to British society and public life.
This year, for the first time, I visited Rwanda and the Kigali Genocide Memorial. I was moved beyond words by the resilience and grace of the Rwandan people. I will never forget my meeting with survivors and perpetrators who, despite their appalling experiences, now live side by side in a reconciliation village.
As the country gathers to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2023, we should all renew our commitment to work for a world free from identity-based persecution and violence. Prejudice is always seeking out new victims to demonise, to denounce and, ultimately, to destroy. We must make sure that it never succeeds. There is no stronger antidote to division than an appreciation of diversity. That is why I am so proud to see the rich diversity of the United Kingdom displayed in the range of groups taking part in Holocaust Memorial Day.
The invaluable work of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust ensures the testimony and experiences of survivors are shared with millions of people. In learning from the horrors of the Holocaust and the genocides which followed, we can all recommit to the vital principles of freedom of conscience, generosity of spirit, and care for others that are the surest defences of hope.
CHARLES R
Related content
The King's message to Australian Veterans of the Second World War on Anzac Day 2025
The following message was sent to mark the 80th Anniversary year of the War’s end.
The King's message to New Zealand Veterans of the Second World War on Anzac Day 2025
The following message was sent to mark the 80th Anniversary year of the War’s end.
The King's message commemorating the 110th anniversary of Gallipoli
The King's message following the death of Pope Francis
His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith.

A message from The King to mark Easter
There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. “And the greatest of these is love”.

The King’s speech at the State Banquet at the Quirinale Palace, Italy
It is also moving to think that my great, great grandfather, King Edward VII, and my great-grandfather, King George V, both spoke at State Banquets in this very Palace over a...
The King delivers an address to the Italian Parliament
It has been one of the pleasures of my life to come to know this irresistible country, and from Turin to Palermo, Verona to Naples, Florence to Trieste, I have learned a...








The King's message to the regional media industry in the UK
Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share.
The Duchess of Edinburgh's speech on Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
I implore you now, on behalf of the children of today and tomorrow, to redouble your efforts in prioritising their safety

A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at a Reception to mark the launch of The Queen’s Reading Room Medal
Making life better is the ultimate aim of my Reading Room. We believe that books make for a happier, healthier and more connected society.


State Visits to the Holy See and the Republic of Italy announced




A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at a Reception to celebrate the 15th anniversary of WOW (Women of the World)
Without fail, wherever WOW gathers, I have met the most extraordinary and impressive women who have, quite simply, refused to take ‘no’ for an answer.






A speech delivered by The King during a visit to HMS Prince of Wales whilst at sea
I can only say that I take immense pride in you - the men and women who bring this vessel to life with such indomitable spirit - for your vital service on behalf of us all.
The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2025
The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today.



