Princess Kate in emotional reunion with Holocaust survivors as she attends service with Prince William
The service was to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance DayPrincess Kate had an emotional reunion with Holocaust survivors yesterday (Monday, January 27) during a royal engagement in London.
The Princess of Wales, along with her husband, where in the capital to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Prince William gave a speech at the service too, as he remembered his great-grandmother and her heroic gesture during the Holocaust.
Princess Kate commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day
Yesterday saw the Prince and Princess of Wales visit the Guildhall in London for a service commemorating 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
During their time there, the Princess of Wales was pictured having emotional reunions with some of the Holocaust survivors present.
It was such a treat for me to come and see an old friend.
“Thank you, it’s good to be able to be here,” she said as she arrived.
The princess then enjoyed a special reunion with two survivors – Yvonne Bernstein, 87, and Steven Frank, 89, – who she’d previously met in 2020.
Meeting them at the Guildhall reception, Kate said it was a “treat” to see them again.
Princess of Wales gushes over reuniting with ‘old friend’
Speaking to Yvonne, Kate said: “It was such a treat for me to come and see an old friend.”
Steven then thanked the princess for sending him a Christmas card.
Speaking after the event, he said: “She’s just such a darling, you know? She’s just such a lovely person.”
In the ceremony, which was attended by around 80 Holocaust survivors, Prince William gave a speech.
“I am honoured to join you today to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and to remember the millions murdered during the Holocaust and in subsequent genocides,” he said. “We also remember those survivors, who have lived with the scars both mental and physical. Their bravery in sharing with us the most harrowing moments of their lives, are extremely powerful and ensure we never forget.”
He also read from the book Holocaust Heroes. He also shared that his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg – Prince Philip’s mother – protected a Jewish family from Nazis in Athens.
Prince William’s Holocaust memorial speech
William said: “I was recently reminded of my great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, who lived in Athens during the Second World War.
“This is an extract from the book Heroes of the Holocaust: ‘In the early days of German occupation, conditions deteriorated rapidly as food ran out when an estimated 300,000 people died…
“‘Conditions were particularly severe in Athens and its port, Piraeus. Alice worked tirelessly for the Red Cross, helping to organise soup kitchens, opening shelters for orphaned children, and setting up a nursing system for poor areas of the city.’
“‘It was at this time that Princess Alice gave refuge to a Jewish widow, Rachel Cohen, and two of her five children to save them from deportation to the death camps.
“‘This was an extremely risky undertaking in the close-packed streets of Athens where there was always the danger of spies and gossip.'”
He continued reading the extract: “‘On 15 October 1943, Rachel Cohen and Tilde moved into Alice’s home. The staff were told that Mrs Cohen was the former governess to her children.’
“‘Michel, the youngest of the four brothers, joined them about a month later. There were great risks, not least the position of the house – the front door faced the residence of the local Archbishop, which always had a German guard on duty outside.’
“‘She was sometimes interviewed by the Gestapo and used her deafness to an advantage, pretending not to understand their questions or what they were talking about. It worked, and they soon gave up. Thanks to her, the entire Cohen family survived the war.'”
Princess Kate ‘in her element’ at ceremony
Kate and William also lit candles alongside young representatives from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and partner organisations.
“It has been a great honour for Catherine and I to join you all today,” William said as he ended his speech.
The couple’s official Instagram account shared some snaps from the event, including ones of Kate hugging and holding hands with survivors.
“Marking Holocaust Memorial Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau,” the caption read.
“Today we remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, victims of Nazi persecution, as well as the victims of more recent genocides, including Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.”
Who is Kate, Princess of Wales?
Kate was born on January 9, 1982, making her 43 years old. She was born to Michael and Carole Middleton in Berkshire.
Kate married into the royal family in April 2011.
What did Kate, Princess of Wales do before marrying Prince William?
Before their 2011 wedding, Kate and William had dated for many years after meeting at St Andrews University in Scotland.
After graduating, Kate worked in retail and for her family's business, Party Pieces.
Tying the knot with Prince William
On April 29, 2011, William and Kate married at Westminster Abbey. It was branded the "wedding of the century" with millions watching the nuptials worldwide.
Kate then became a respected and favourite member within the monarchy as she began performing duties alongside her husband.
The couple have three children - Prince George, born in July 2013, Princess Charlotte, born in May 2015, and Prince Louis, who they welcomed in April 2018.
The family currently live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park just east of Windsor Castle. Their eldest, son George, is currently second in line to the throne behind his grandfather King Charles and dad Prince William.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, William and Kate became the Prince and Princess of Wales - a title previously held by William's late mother Princess Diana.
When William becomes monarch one day, Kate will become Queen Consort.
Kate's cancer diagnosis
Kate faced one of her most challenging years in 2024 after her cancer diagnosis. She announced the news publicly in March of that year. She underwent treatment and announced the end of that in September 2024.
Then, in January 2025, the Princess of Wales announced she was in remission with her cancer and would slowly return to her royal duties.
Royal fans took to the comments to praise the couple. “It is so important to continue to commemorate this date so thank you for doing it amazing Catherine and William. We will never forget,” one wrote.
“Lovely to see Kate back in action. I’m so glad she’s feeling better,” another said.
“Beautiful photos. Thank you for taking the time and showing compassion to the attendees. Thank you for remembering. We should never forget the darkness. That is how we stay in the light,” a third wrote.
A fourth gushed: “Catherine is in her element.”
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