The Princess of Wales marked Holocaust Memorial Day in an elegant all-black ensemble, complemented by striking pearl jewellery at a ceremony commemorating 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz.
Kate, 43, wore a sophisticated black Catherine Walker coat paired with wide-leg trousers and a black jumper for the solemn occasion at The Guildhall.
It was such a treat for me to come and see an old friend,” Kate said as Yvonne stroked her arm in gratitude.
Steven, who survived two camps during the Second World War, thanked the Princess for sending him a Christmas card.
Speaking after the event, Steven praised Kate, saying: “She’s just such a darling, you know? She’s just such a lovely person.”
Inside the Guildhall’s Great Hall, the royal couple attended a ceremony where survivors shared their testimonies.
Prince William delivered a reading, stating: “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.
The Prince read from the book Holocaust Heroes, sharing how his great-grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, protected a Jewish family from the Nazis in Athens.
William and Kate 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 concluded in his address.
The ceremony was scheduled to be broadcast on BBC1 at 7pm.
The event brought together political leaders including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, former Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey were also present to meet survivors and their families.
The Prince and Princess discussed their commitment to teaching their children about the Holocaust.
“George is getting to the age where he’s starting to understand things. So it’s getting interesting to talk to him about what happened,” William shared.
“I can’t believe it’s been 80 years,” the Prince remarked. “It’s staggering.”
Kate emphasised the importance of preserving survivors’ stories, asking Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines: “Do you write a diary? It’s so important that these stories are written down. They are still relevant stories.”
