Royals

Duchess Catherine shares a touching moment during an emotional Zoom call with Holocaust survivors

The Duchess marked Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27.
Loading the player...

Duchess Catherine has given fans a touching insight into her latest Zoom call as she continues to work from home amid the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK.

On Wednesday, which marks January 27th’s Holocaust Memorial Day, the royal showed her support by taking part in a moving Zoom call with two Holocaust survivors, now aged 90 and 91.

One line stood out above the rest: “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good people to remain silent.”

The words came from the survivors themselves, who’ve battled many more hurdles and encountered many challenges in the years since the horrific period.

Zigi Shipper, 91, and Manfred Goldberg, 90, spoke to the royal about the importance of sharing knowledge and information about the deadly Holocaust, especially among the younger generation so that their stories will not be forgotten.

The pair shared their memories and experiences from that time, and of its ongoing impact on them, explaining that many survivors still suffer nightmares as a result of the horrors they encountered.

Kate spoke with Zigi Shipper, 91, and Manfred Goldberg, 90 during the stirring call.

(Holocaust Educational Trust)

The two survivors share their bravery with the world nowadays, frequently giving testimonies to young people around the UK via the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Outreach Programme.

Kate told them: “The stories you both have shared with me again today, and your dedication in educating the younger generation about your experiences and the horrors of the Holocaust shows extreme strength and such bravery.”

She continued: “It’s so important and so inspirational, so thank you so much once again for sharing your stories with me and for all the work you do in sharing your experiences.”

The Duchess shared words of support for the brave survivors.

(Holocaust Educational Trust)

For the call, which took place in Kate’s family living room inside their Norfolk country home, the Duchess opted for a simple grey fine knit sweater.

She wore her enviable locks straightened and loose, and accessorised with some gorgeous pearl drop earrings.

Kate also spoke to Farah Ali and Maxwell Horner during the call as the call to educate younger people on the Holocaust was clear.

(Holocaust Educational Trust)

This marks Kate’s third appearance within a week – last Friday she spoke to several nurses around the UK to thank them for their tireless efforts in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

She also shared a message for the people of Scotland as they celebrated Burns Night – in a very apt tartan ensemble, at that.

While the lockdown is no doubt making things harder for all, she’s certainly not letting anything hold her back from getting on with things.

We can’t wait to see what she brings us next.

Related stories