King Charles has paid tribute to Manfred Goldberg following the Holocaust survivor’s death, describing him as “a truly special human being” whose testimony left a lasting mark on the nation.
In a message signed “Charles R”, the King wrote: “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.
“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.
“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 monarch went on to recall meeting Mr Goldberg at public events this year, saying he had been “profoundly moved to hear Manfred’s recollections at this year’s reception to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and, more recently, during his investiture ceremony.”
The King described Mr Goldberg as having “extraordinary dignity, resolve and courage an example to us all, which will forever be remembered,” and said it had been “the greatest privilege and joy to have known him.”
Mr Goldberg’s death was announced on November 6, 2025. He was widely known for his decades of work educating schoolchildren and the public about the Holocaust, and for sharing his testimony of deportation and imprisonment as a child.
He was born in 1930, deported with his mother and younger brother to the Riga Ghetto in 1941, and later held in the Stutthof concentration camp. He was liberated by the British army in May 1945 and later settled in the UK.
King Charles pays tribute to Holocaust survivor Manfred Goldberg who met Kate and William in Poland
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GETTY
The King’s message noted Mr Goldberg’s role in Holocaust remembrance and education and the refuge he found in Britain.
It said in part: “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.”
Tributes to Mr Goldberg have emphasised his work in schools and at public events.
The King recalled his recollections at the Holocaust Memorial Day reception earlier this year and at the investiture ceremony held in his honour.
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Mr Goldberg was recently recognised with an MBE for services to Holocaust remembrance and education, an honour mentioned in reporting on his death.
Prince William and Princess Kate previously met Mr Goldberg at the Stutthof Nazi concentration camp during their 2017 visit to Poland.
Mr Goldberg’s testimony and public engagements — speaking to pupils, visiting schools and taking part in commemorative events — were often highlighted by organisations dedicated to Holocaust education.
Kate and William met Manfred Goldberg in 2017 in Poland
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PA
In his public remarks, he emphasised the need to remember what had happened and the importance of education in preventing future atrocities.
The King’s message concluded with a personal reflection on Mr Goldberg’s life and legacy and with prayers for his family.
“His extraordinary dignity, resolve and courage [are] an example to us all, which will forever be remembered,” the King said.