King Charles' special tribute to Holocaust survivor
King Charles has paid tribute to Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert, who has died aged 100.
The Hungarian-born British writer died peacefully at home in north London. She was the eldest of six children and was freed from Auschwitz at the age of 20, almost 80 years ago, as her mother and two younger siblings were killed in the gas chambers.
She migrated to the UK in 1967 with her husband and began educating the world about the horrors of the Holocaust.
Since then, her story and resilience has touched millions worldwide, including King Charles, who met her in 2015 when she joined him to light one of six remembrance candles in London for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.
Last year, he made her an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in recognition of her services to Holocaust education.
In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the monarch said "it was with the greatest sadness" that he had heard of her death.
"As a survivor of the unmentionable horrors of the Holocaust, I am so proud that she later found a home in Britain where she continued to tell the world of the horrendous atrocities she had witnessed, as a permanent reminder for our generation – and, indeed, for future generations – of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall, when reason, compassion and truth are abandoned," he said.
"Alongside other Holocaust survivors, she became an integral part of the fabric of our nation; her extraordinary resilience and courage an example to us all, which will never be forgotten."
In 2021, Charles, who was the Prince of Wales described how he had been personally inspired throughout his own life by the stories of survivors and their bravery and personal sacrifice.
At the unveiling of the Queen's Gallery in London, Ebert told him: "Meeting you, it is for everyone who lost their lives."
To which the King replied: "But it is a greater privilege for me."
Ebert's great-grandson Dov Forman, who helped co-write her book How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live, paid tribute to the family's "beloved matriarch", known as Safta on social media.
"Over the years, Safta's story touched hundreds of millions worldwide, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked hatred," he began.
"She taught us the power of tolerance and faith, the importance of speaking out, and the need to stand against prejudice.
"Safta was the queen of our large, loving family. With a surviving daughter and son – remembering a daughter who pre-deceased her – 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, her legacy lives on in each of us.
"She rebuilt her life with faith and love, never asking, 'Why me?'. Instead, she focused on what could be rebuilt from the ashes, and her positivity continues to guide us through these difficult times.
"As we mourn our beloved Mummy, Safta, we also celebrate her extraordinary life.
"A light that shone so brightly has gone dark. She was our hero, and her absence leaves an unimaginable void in our lives."
Images: Arthur Edwards/WPA Pool/ Shutterstock Editorial