Prince William and Kate Middleton have taken a significant step in educating their eldest child, Prince George, about the Holocaust. The royal couple participated in Holocaust Memorial Day activities on January 27 in London, where they engaged in crucial conversations about the historic tragedy with their son, who is 11 years old and third in line to the British throne. The couple’s appearance marked their first joint engagement of 2025 and Kate’s first public event since announcing she was in remission from cancer earlier in January.
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During the commemoration event, Prince William shared that discussions about the Holocaust with Prince George had begun to resonate with the young royal. Speaking to Holocaust survivor Alfred Garwood and genocide survivor Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie, William expressed that George, at his age, was starting to grasp the significance of historical events. As parents, William and Kate are ensuring that their children are aware of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust and understand the lessons it teaches.
Holocaust Memorial Day is observed annually to honour the memory of the six million Jewish people who perished during the Holocaust, along with millions of others who suffered under Nazi persecution and during subsequent genocides. The event on January 27 also marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, the largest Nazi death camp. The royal couple’s presence at the event underscored their commitment to commemorating these historical events and ensuring they are never forgotten.
During the solemn occasion, Kate Middleton had an emotional reunion with Yvonne Bernstein and Steven Frank, whom she had photographed in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation. The reunion was a poignant moment as Kate embraced Bernstein and Frank, symbolising the personal connections the royal family has established with survivors of the Holocaust. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s involvement in such events showcases their dedication to honouring the past and educating future generations.
Prince William delivered a moving speech during the ceremony, emphasising the importance of remembrance and paying tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. He acknowledged the bravery of those who had endured unimaginable suffering and shared their experiences to ensure that the world never forgets the horrors of the past. The Duke of Cambridge’s words reflected a sense of duty and respect towards those who had lived through such traumatic experiences.
In a touching gesture, Prince William highlighted the actions of his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenburg, who sheltered a Jewish family from the Nazis in Athens, Greece. Reading from the book ‘Holocaust Heroes’, William recounted Princess Alice’s courageous efforts to protect Rachel Cohen and her children from deportation to concentration camps. This historical account shared by Prince William serves as a reminder of the individual acts of heroism that occurred during one of humanity’s darkest periods.
As part of their commitment to Holocaust remembrance, Prince William and Kate Middleton engaged with around 50 Holocaust survivors at the Guildhall in London. Their interaction with survivors demonstrated a personal connection to the stories of resilience and survival, emphasising the importance of listening to and learning from those who have experienced such profound historical events. The couple’s presence at the event conveyed a message of empathy, compassion, and a dedication to preserving the memory of the Holocaust.
In conclusion, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s involvement in Holocaust Memorial Day activities not only showcased their support for remembrance but also highlighted their efforts to educate their children about the importance of learning from history. By initiating conversations with Prince George about the Holocaust, the royal couple is nurturing a sense of responsibility and empathy in the future king. Their interactions with survivors and participation in commemorative events reflect a deep commitment to honouring the past and ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten.