The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is set to join Prince William on Monday, January 27, to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, in a poignant gesture to honor the memory of those lost during one of history’s darkest chapters.
Kensington Palace announced on the morning of the event that Kate would make a last-minute appearance alongside her husband. Prince William is scheduled to deliver a heartfelt reading and light a candle as part of the solemn ceremony. The event, which will be broadcast live on BBC1 at 7 p.m., will bring together a diverse assembly of faith leaders, civic dignitaries, Holocaust survivors, and individuals who have endured other genocides, reinforcing the day’s message of reflection and unity.
This appearance marks Kate’s first since publicly sharing the news of her cancer remission, a deeply personal milestone that has resonated with many. It is also her second public engagement of the year, following her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, where she met with medical staff and patients, continuing her advocacy for health and wellness initiatives.
The royal couple has a history of marking this solemn occasion. In 2020, they attended the 75th anniversary of Holocaust Memorial Day, underscoring their commitment to honoring the memory of victims and educating future generations about the consequences of hatred and intolerance.
This year’s observance holds additional significance as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, one of the most harrowing symbols of the Holocaust. Though the exact location of Monday’s ceremony remains undisclosed for security reasons, its importance is amplified by the global reflections taking place.
Adding to the poignancy, the event comes just a day before King Charles III is set to attend Holocaust commemorations in Poland. There, heads of state from around the world will gather to pay tribute to the victims and reaffirm their commitment to combating anti-Semitism and genocide in all its forms.
Kate and William’s participation in this year’s memorial underscores the royal family’s dedication to fostering remembrance and promoting messages of peace and tolerance in a world still grappling with the consequences of division and prejudice.