Full Breakdown
King Charles III and Queen Camilla Commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day
1/28/2026, 1:12:09 AM
Marking the Anniversary of Auschwitz Liberation
On January 27, 2026, King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, marking the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. This annual observance honors the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of others persecuted by the Nazis. The theme for this year's memorial was "Bridging Generations," which emphasizes the importance of educating younger generations about the Holocaust and its lessons.
During the event, the King and Queen met with Holocaust survivors and their families, including notable figures such as 100-year-old Anita Lasker-Wallfisch, who survived both Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen, and 98-year-old Helen Aronson, a survivor of the Lodz ghetto. The King expressed his admiration for the survivors, stating that those who have passed are "with us in spirit." The reception included a viewing of portraits of seven Holocaust survivors, commissioned by the King when he was the Prince of Wales, which are currently displayed in the East Wing of Buckingham Palace.
Survivors' Voices and Calls to Action
In a significant moment earlier that day, 95-year-old Mala Tribich became the first Holocaust survivor to address the UK Cabinet. Tribich, who survived the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, urged government officials to take action against rising antisemitism, stating, "We survivors never imagined we would witness antisemitism at the level it is today." Her emotional plea resonated with ministers, some of whom were visibly moved, and she received a standing ovation for her remarks.
Tribich's address highlighted the urgency of combating antisemitism, particularly in light of recent violent incidents targeting Jewish communities, including attacks in Manchester and Sydney. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged her powerful words and committed to tackling antisemitism in all its forms.
Official Statements and Responses
The King and Queen's engagement with Holocaust survivors reflects a broader commitment to Holocaust education and remembrance. The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, which the King supports as a patron, plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and remembrance activities across the UK. During the reception, the King and Queen also interacted with representatives from organizations such as the Anne Frank Trust UK and the Holocaust Educational Trust, which work to educate young people about the Holocaust and its relevance today.
Criticism and Opposition
While the commemorative events were largely well-received, there are ongoing concerns regarding the rise of antisemitism in contemporary society. Survivors like Mala Tribich have voiced their fears about the resurgence of hatred and violence against Jewish people, emphasizing that remembrance alone is insufficient without proactive measures to combat discrimination.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We survivors never imagined we would witness antisemitism at the level it is today,” — Mala Tribich, Holocaust Survivor
- “It goes back a long way since I first met you, it must be 20 years,” — King Charles III to Anita Lasker-Wallfisch
- “Remembering the past is no longer enough.” — Mala Tribich, Holocaust Survivor
The events at Buckingham Palace and the Cabinet underscore the importance of Holocaust remembrance and the need for continued vigilance against antisemitism, ensuring that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
