The Kings Honour the Memory of Auschwitz

In 2020, when the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz extermination camp was marked, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were tasked with representing Spain at the event. This year, on the 80th anniversary, they are again representing Spain, accompanied by the Minister of Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, who provides constitutional support for the monarchs' attendance.

The government has strategically highlighted Torres' portfolio at this historic event, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Franco's death and Spain's Freedom celebrations. This Monday, it aligns with the Holocaust Victims' Day, where over 7,000 Spaniards lost their lives. King Felipe was unable to attend the first event of the year on January 8th due to scheduling conflicts but is expected to participate in several anniversary events, including visits to the former Auschwitz and Mauthausen concentration camps.

In 2020, the royal couple toured the facilities, which saw hundreds of Spaniards pass through, leaving a note on the candle stating, "May this horror never repeat." This time, the event is more protocol-driven, focusing on the concentration camp survivors. The royals are seated in the front row among dignitaries, between the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, and the Dutch Royals, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. They will also lay a candle at one of the original wagons used by the Nazis to deport millions across Europe during World War II.

Recent estimates suggest that over 7,000 Spaniards were deported to Nazi concentration camps, with 5,166 executed or dying due to harsh conditions, accounting for nearly 60% of the total. There were 3,539 survivors, but the whereabouts of the remaining 456 individuals remain unknown.

It is estimated that the total number of Spaniards who passed through Auschwitz could reach around 1,200 deportees. In Mauthausen-Gusen alone, 7,000 were interned.