> At a Glance
> – Auschwitz survivor Eva Schloss died at 96 on January 3
> – She was Anne Frank’s stepsister and a Holocaust educator
> – King Charles praised her lifelong fight against hatred
> – Why it matters: Her story keeps Holocaust memory alive for new generations
King Charles has paid tribute to Eva Schloss, who survived Auschwitz and spent decades teaching young people about the Holocaust. Schloss, Anne Frank’s childhood friend who later became her stepsister, passed away at age 96.
Royal Tribute
The King released a personal statement on Sunday after the Anne Frank House announced her death. “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Eva Schloss,” he wrote, signing the message “Charles R.”
He highlighted how she transformed unimaginable trauma into a lifelong mission:
- Dedicated herself to Holocaust education worldwide
- Promoted kindness, courage, and resilience
- Fought prejudice through the Anne Frank Trust U.K.
“We are both privileged and proud to have known her,” the monarch added.
A Life Marked by History
Born in Vienna in 1929, Schloss fled to Amsterdam with her family as the Nazis rose to power. She and Anne Frank played together as neighbors before both families went into hiding on the same day in 1942.
The Schloss family was betrayed in 1944 and sent to Auschwitz. Only Eva and her mother survived. Years later, her mother married Anne’s father Otto, making the two girls stepsisters posthumously.
Legacy of Education
Schloss co-founded the Anne Frank Trust U.K. in 1990, reaching over 177,000 young people in 2024 alone through school programs and peer educator training.
Key moments with the Royal Family:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2022 | Queen Camilla (then Duchess of Cornwall) met Schloss at Anne Frank Trust reception |
| December 2022 | King Charles danced the Hora with her at JW3 Jewish community center Hanukkah party |
| January 2024 | Queen Camilla became first Royal Patron of Anne Frank Trust U.K. |
Key Takeaways
- Schloss survived Auschwitz and turned her experience into educational activism
- She authored three books about her life and the Holocaust
- The royal couple’s personal connection highlights her impact on British Holocaust remembrance
- Her work with the Anne Frank Trust U.K. will continue educating future generations
The King’s tribute underscores how Schloss’s story bridged history and hope, ensuring Anne Frank’s legacy extends beyond the diary to active education against prejudice.
