Home Australia King Charles says trip to mark 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation is ‘so important’ as he welcomes Holocaust survivor to Buckingham Palace

King Charles says trip to mark 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation is ‘so important’ as he welcomes Holocaust survivor to Buckingham Palace

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King Charles was photographed lighting a candle during the reception in memory of those killed in the Holocaust, as Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg (centre) looked on

The King has described as “very important” his decision to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Charles spoke about his upcoming trip when he met Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg at a reception at Buckingham Palace to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27.

Goldberg, 94, who survived concentration camps including Stutthof and a death march when he was just a schoolboy, said the first thing the king mentioned was the trip, saying it was “now official” after This was previously announced by Buckingham Palace.

“I feel like I should go to the 80th anniversary, (it’s) very important,” the King later told the elderly survivor who visits schools to tell first-hand accounts of the Holocaust, and was described by the King as “very special “.

Charles will travel to Poland to join other dignitaries and Holocaust survivors invited to a service, held at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, to mark the 80th anniversary.

Ahead of next Monday’s event, Charles will meet members of the local community in Krakow and the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, Buckingham Palace said.

Mr. Goldberg said of the trip: “I find it almost difficult to put into words, and I am not often at a loss for words.

‘But I think it is a striking statement by Her Majesty that she fully understands the colossal injustice and atrocity that was perpetrated against the Jewish people during the Holocaust.

King Charles was photographed lighting a candle during the reception in memory of those killed in the Holocaust, as Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg (centre) looked on

“And he seems to have made it an active component of his life to do everything he can to make sure people are aware.”

Goldberg added: “He, like me, is trying to spread the knowledge that once people understand what the Holocaust represents, I think everyone will play a part in preventing it from happening again.”

‘Silence never helps the oppressed, it always helps the oppressors.’

More than a million people, mostly Jews but also Poles, Soviet prisoners of war and other nationalities, were murdered by the Nazis at Auschwitz-Birkenau during World War II as part of the Holocaust, in which six million men, Jewish women and children were murdered.

The camp was liberated by soldiers of the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front and opened the gates of the Auschwitz concentration camp on January 27, 1945.

Elsewhere, the King sent a message to the people of Glasgow praising the city for its rich culture and centuries of resilience as it celebrates its 850th anniversary.

Charles said he and the Queen wanted to extend their “heartfelt congratulations”, adding: “Needless to say, people really do make Glasgow.”

King Charles met 94-year-old Manfred Goldberg, who survived the Stutthof concentration camp.

King Charles met 94-year-old Manfred Goldberg, who survived the Stutthof concentration camp.

Charles was seen shaking Mr. Goldberg's hand and greeting his wife Shary Goldberg, before the trio struck up a conversation at the reception.

Charles was seen shaking Mr. Goldberg’s hand and greeting his wife Shary Goldberg, before the trio struck up a conversation at the reception.

The King was dressed smartly for the reception, sporting a matching gray suit with a pink and gray patterned tie and polished black shoes.

The King was dressed smartly for the reception, sporting a matching gray suit with a pink and gray patterned tie and polished black shoes.

The monarch was photographed listening attentively to guests at the reception marking Holocaust Memorial Day, which falls on January 27.

The monarch was photographed listening attentively to guests at the reception marking Holocaust Memorial Day, which falls on January 27.

Goldberg, posing with a painting of himself, also experienced the death marches, where weak prisoners were forced to walk long distances, and many died on the journey.

Goldberg, posing with a painting of himself, also experienced the death marches, where weak prisoners were forced to walk long distances, and many died on the journey.

Charles also visited an exhibition of candlesticks created as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust's national '80 candles for 80 years' project.

Charles also visited an exhibition of candlesticks created as part of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s national ’80 candles for 80 years’ project.

King Charles III speaks to guests during a Holocaust Memorial Day reception at Buckingham Palace

King Charles III speaks to guests during a Holocaust Memorial Day reception at Buckingham Palace

King Charles talks to the students who created some of the 80 candles over 80 years on display

King Charles talks to the students who created some of the 80 candles over 80 years on display

Goldberg and his wife Shary Goldberg pose with a portrait of him during a Holocaust Memorial Day reception

Goldberg and his wife Shary Goldberg pose with a portrait of him during a Holocaust Memorial Day reception

The monarch called on Glaswegians to come together to mark this year’s milestone, ending with the Scottish city’s motto “Let Glasgow flourish.”

The King said: ‘Both the Queen and I wanted to extend our sincere congratulations to all of you as Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary. Needless to say, people really make Glasgow.

‘As one of the most diverse cities in Scotland and beyond, it is entirely appropriate that the celebrations to mark this milestone are equally vibrant and demonstrate the rich culture, heritage and captivating history of this ever-evolving city.

‘I hope that Glaswegians, new and old, can come together throughout this year to reflect on centuries of resilience, initiative and shared achievements, all of which, I am sure, will guide them towards an even more prosperous future.

‘On this special occasion, I join with all those who have had the privilege of calling Glasgow home, whether for a fleeting moment or for a lifetime, in repeating with wholehearted enthusiasm the exciting motto of your magnificent city: Let it Glasgow flourishes. ‘

The message was signed “Charles R.”

The celebrations in Glasgow will extend throughout the year, starting with the opening concert of Celtic Connections music festival on 16 January.

The king has an enduring love for Scotland and spends many summers at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire with the royal family.

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