The Prince and Princess of Wales joined survivors, political leaders, and celebrities to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The ceremony, held at the Guildhall, brought together Holocaust survivors, genocide survivors, and representatives from across the UK. Ahead of the event, the royal couple met with survivors to hear their personal stories. Among them were survivors of the Holocaust and the Bosnian genocide, which marked its 30th anniversary this year.
Holocaust survivors Rachel Levy BEM, Steven Frank BEM, and Yvonne Bernstein MBE, who have shared their experiences over the years, participated in the ceremony. They lit candles alongside young representatives from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, symbolising the legacy of remembrance for future generations.
Speaking at the event, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to the victims and survivors. Reflecting on his own family’s wartime history, he read a passage about his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who sheltered Jewish families during the Holocaust. He said, “We remember those survivors, who have lived with the scars, both mental and physical. Their bravery in sharing their stories ensures we never forget. I assure them, we never will.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also addressed attendees, reflecting on his recent visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. He said, “We start by remembering the six million Jewish victims and defending the truth against anyone who would deny it. We must act, because ‘never again’ must mean more.” He reaffirmed plans for a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre to preserve the lessons of the past for future generations.
This year’s theme, “For A Better Future,” highlighted the need for the next generation to carry forward the legacy of survivors. Olivia Marks-Woldman OBE, CEO of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, emphasised the importance of the event, saying, “Eighty years after the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, it’s our responsibility to honour the memory of those murdered and stand against prejudice and intolerance today.”
The ceremony also featured prominent figures, including barrister and television personality Rob Rinder, and actors Bel Powley and Louisa Clein. It concluded with a national act of remembrance, as buildings across the UK were illuminated in purple during the “Light the Darkness” event. People at home were encouraged to light candles in their windows to honour victims.
Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually in the UK to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and the victims of subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur, and against the Yazidis.
The ceremony aired on BBC One at 7pm on 27 January 2025.