Intro paragraph. Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has used her passion for photography to honor Holocaust survivors, creating a tribute that has become one of her most impactful public works. Her portraits, taken in 2020, capture the resilience of survivors and their families, and they are featured in annual Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations. The project highlights the royal family’s ongoing commitment to remembering the atrocities of Nazi Germany and supporting community cohesion across the UK.
At a Glance
- Kate Middleton photographed Holocaust survivors in 2020, a project that has become a cornerstone of her public service.
- The royal family marked the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation on January 27, 2025, with ceremonies in London and Poland.
- Survivors Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein were reunited with the Princess at Buckingham Palace in May 2025.
Why it matters: The portraits serve as a living testament to resilience and a reminder of the importance of remembrance and education.
A Portrait of Resilience
In 2020, Kate Middleton sat down with a group of Holocaust survivors and their families to capture their stories through the lens. The resulting series showcases the strength and humanity of those who endured unimaginable suffering. The images were later displayed during Holocaust Memorial Day events, providing a visual narrative that complements spoken testimony.
The project was born out of the Princess’s personal interest in the Holocaust and her desire to give survivors a platform. She has said, “The harrowing atrocities of the Holocaust, which were caused by the most unthinkable evil, will forever lay heavy in our hearts. Yet it is so often through the most unimaginable adversity that the most remarkable people flourish.”
Survivor Steven Frank, 84, was photographed alongside his granddaughters Maggie and Trixie Fleet, 15 and 13, while Yvonne Bernstein appeared with her granddaughter Chloe Wright, 11. The portraits emphasize the intergenerational impact of the Holocaust.
- Steven Frank (84) with granddaughters Maggie (15) and Trixie (13)
- Yvonne Bernstein with granddaughter Chloe (11)
Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremonies
The royal family marked the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz-Birkenau’s liberation on January 27, 2025, with a ceremony in London. Kate Middleton and Prince William lit candles and joined the memorial, while King Charles travelled to Poland for a service at the former concentration camp, becoming the first British monarch to visit the site.
The ceremony was the Princess’s first public outing since announcing her remission from cancer on January 14, 2025. It also provided an opportunity for her to reunite with Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, whom she had photographed years earlier.
In May 2025, a garden party at Buckingham Palace allowed the Princess to meet Frank again, as he was a guest at the palace. The reunion underscored the personal significance of the project.
King Charles and the Polish Visit
King Charles, 77, has made it a key point in his public life to honor all religions and cultures. His 2023 coronation recognized many faiths in the service at Westminster Abbey.
According to News Of Los Angeles, a royal source said, “As anyone who has visited the camp can avow, it has a profound impact on the soul, bringing home both the scale of the horrors and the lessons that must be learned for eternity. In that sense, it will be a deeply personal pilgrimage for the King, paying tribute both as man and monarch.”
The visit was described as an opportunity for the King to reflect on the suffering and courage of those who bore witness in the very location where they were taken.
Broader Context and Significance
Holocaust Memorial Day falls on the anniversary of Auschwitz’s liberation, but it also commemorates victims and survivors of other genocides, including Rwanda, Cambodia, and Bosnia. For the royals, the day is an annual fixture that fulfills a key role in nurturing community cohesion across the UK.
Frank told News Of Los Angeles in 2022, “Both she and Prince William have been extremely interested in the Holocaust and the Memorial Day. William has been in the press with Holocaust survivors, and his father is patron of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. There is an interest particularly in letting people know what happened, getting their testimony and passing it along to other generations.”
He added, “It started with Princess Diana walking through the minefields… They are genuinely interested in what we are doing and the Holocaust Memorial Trust and what we are trying to do for the younger generation.”
Key Takeaways
- The photography project provides a visual record of resilience.
- The royal family’s participation in Holocaust Memorial Day reinforces their commitment to remembrance.
- King Charles’s visit to Auschwitz marks a historic moment for the monarchy.
- Survivors and their families continue to be honored through personal reunions and public ceremonies.
