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

The king has called his decision to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau “so important”.

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

Mr 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 it was previously announced by Buckingham Palace had been announced.

“I feel like I have to go for the 80th anniversary, (it’s) so important,” the king later told the elderly survivor who visits schools to give first-hand accounts of the Holocaust, and who was the king was described as ‘very special’.

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

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

Mr. Goldberg said of the trip, “I find it almost difficult to put into words, and I don’t get lost very often.

“But I think it is an astonishing affirmation from His Majesty that he fully understands the colossal injustice and atrocities committed against Jewish people during the Holocaust.

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

Mr. Goldberg added, “He, like me, is trying to spread the knowledge that once people understand what the Holocaust represents, I think everyone contributes to preventing this from ever happening again.

“Silence never helps the oppressed, it always helps the oppressors.”

Well over a million people, mainly 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, which involved six million Jewish men, women and children . were killed.

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

Elsewhere, the King has 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 send their “sincere congratulations” and added: “It goes without saying that people really make Glasgow.”

King Charles met Manfred Goldberg, 94 years old, who survived the Stutthof concentration camp

Charles was seen shaking hands with Mr. Goldberg and greeting his wife Shary Goldberg, before the trio chatted at the reception

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

The monarch listened attentively to the guests during the reception on the occasion of Holocaust Memorial Day, which takes place on January 27

Mr. Goldberg, who posed with a painting of himself, also experienced death marches, in which weak prisoners were forced to walk long distances, many dying along the way.

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 addresses guests during a Holocaust Memorial Day reception at Buckingham Palace

King Charles speaks to students who made some of the 80 80 Years Candles on display here

Mr. Goldberg and his wife Shary Goldberg pose next to a portrait of themselves during a reception celebrating Holocaust Memorial Day

The monarch called on Glasgow residents to come together to celebrate this year’s milestone, ending with the Scottish city’s motto: ‘Let Glasgow Flourish’.

The King said: “Both the Queen and I would like to congratulate you all as Glasgow celebrates its 850th birthday. It goes without saying that 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, showcasing the rich culture, heritage and fascinating history of your ever-evolving city.

‘I hope that Glasgow residents, new and old, can come together throughout the year to reflect on centuries of resilience, entrepreneurship and shared achievement, which, I am sure, will lead you all into an even more prosperous future .

‘On this special occasion, I join all of you who have had the privilege of calling Glasgow home, whether for a fleeting moment or for a lifetime, and with genuine enthusiasm, celebrate the rousing motto of your beautiful city to repeat: Let Glasgow prosper. ‘

The message was signed ‘Charles R’.

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

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