Holocaust Memorial Day 2025

Commemorations at Auschwitz-Birkenau

The King joined survivors, Heads of State and members of the international Jewish community for the international commemorative event at Auschwitz to commemorate 80 years since its liberation. His Majesty lit a candle to remember all those who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

Visit to Auschwitz 1

Following the main commemorative event, The King visited Auschwitz 1, where he viewed a collection of personal items confiscated from victims upon their arrival at the camp as well as passing through the 'Arbeit Macht Frei' gate which was crafted by prisoners. 

On his final engagement of the day, His Majesty laid wreath at the Death Wall in commemoration of all those who were executed there.

Visit to the Jewish Community Centre

Earlier in the day. The King began the day's commemorations with a return visit to JCC Kraków: a Jewish Community Centre which he opened with the then Duchess of Cornwall in 2008. 

During the visit, His Majesty met senior members of the Jewish community who regularly use the centre: the beating heart of the JCC and the reason for its founding, as well as seeing first hand how this community’s work has evolved to provide the first educational space for Jewish children in Kraków and to support Ukrainian refugees in Poland, both Jewish and of other or no faith. 

The King also met representatives from World Jewish Relief, which played a significant role in the establishment of the JCC, as well as the Chief Rabbi of Poland, the Chief Rabbi of the UK, and the Mayor of Kraków.

In his speech at the centre, His Majesty spoke of the force for good which the centre has become for the local community.

Ladies and gentlemen, in a post-Holocaust world, projects such as this Centre are how we recover our faith in humanity. They also show us there is much work still to be done if we are not just to remember the past, but to use it to inspire us to build a kinder and more compassionate w

orld for future generations; a world of which we can be truly proud.

Background

On the 27th January 1945, Soviet soldiers opened the gates of Auschwitz Concentration Camp, liberating more than 7,000 prisoners. It is estimated that approximately 1.1 million people perished in Auschwitz during the 5 years of its operation. 

The liberation is being marked with services worldwide. The King will attend commemorations at Auschwitz-Birkenau, and The Prince of Wales will attend official commemorations in London.

The King has a deep commitment to Holocaust Education through his work as Patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, and his inter-faith work. 

The Queen is also involved through the Anne Frank Trust.

In 2022, His Majesty - then The Prince of Wales - commissioned portraits of seven Holocaust survivors as a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives.