King Charles honours Holocaust survivor and educator after his passing

King Charles has issued a statement to commemorate the life of Manfred Goldberg, Holocaust survivor who later became an educator on the subject, after his death at the age of 95.

Goldberg previously met the King in September to receive his MBE at Clarence House, awarded for his services to Holocaust education.

“My wife and I were most deeply saddened to hear the news of Manfred Goldberg’s recent death and, together with everyone present, mourn his great loss in our hearts and souls,” began the British sovereign’s statement.

The King also remembered his meeting with the late survivor, adding, “Above all, it meant more to me than I can ever say to have been able to wish the fondest of farewells, a few weeks ago, to a truly special human being, in whose eyes shone the light of true redemption and humanity.”

While on the royal family’s Instagram account further noted an excerpt from Charles’ statement which read, “As a survivor of the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust, I am so proud that he found refuge in Britain, where he would later tell the world of the unimaginable atrocities he had witnessed as a young boy — an enduring reminder for our generation, and generations as yet unborn, of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall, when reason, compassion and truth are forsaken.”

The reigning monarch additionally admitted that Goldberg’s story left him “profoundly moved” while honouring his “extraordinary dignity, resolve and courage an example to us all”. The message concluded with, “It was the greatest privilege and joy to have known him and my prayers are with his dear family and those who grieve with them.”

The late Manfred Goldberg had also made the acquaintance of Prince William and Kate Middleton during their visit to Poland in 2017, where the royals were guided by the Holocaust educator on a tour of the Stutthof concentration camp. While he was one of the seven elderly survivors of the Second World War’s tragedy to be included in a series of portraits which were released in 2022 and commissioned by King Charles.