"European kings remember the Holocaust and contrast the reactions of the monarchy."

The recent tribute paid by Kings Felipe VI and Letizia, alongside other royal houses, at Auschwitz reopens a painful chapter of history that highlights the different reactions of European monarchies to the horrors of Nazism. As the world remembers the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, it is vital to investigate the role played by the monarchs and princes of the time, from those who aligned with the Nazi regime to those who risked their lives to help the victims of genocide. The Holocaust is one of the most atrocious tragedies humanity has ever experienced, and the indifference of many leaders, including some members of royalty, to the suffering of the Jews is disconcerting. Although the extent of Nazi barbarism did not become fully visible until after World War II, some princes and kings made choices that changed the course of many lives. Amadeo-Martín Rey Cabieses, an expert in royal history, provides an overview of these decisions, contrasting those who opposed and those who supported Hitler's ideology. Among the most notorious names are those who represented loyalty to the Nazi regime. Prince August Wilhelm of Prussia, for example, not only joined the Nazi Party but also held a position in the SA, the Nazi militias. His belief that Hitler would restore the Hohenzollern dynasty reflects a stance that, unfortunately, was shared by other members of the nobility. King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, for his part, enacted racial laws that led to the deaths of thousands of Italian Jews, a fact that his family has had to confront even decades later. While support for Nazism was a phenomenon that spanned several royal houses, there were also figures who rose against tyranny. One of them was Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, who rejected Hitler's offers to restore the monarchy in his region. Similarly, King Haakon VII of Norway and his son, King Olav V, emerged as symbols of resistance against oppression, demonstrating firm opposition to Nazi attacks. History also presents us with Isabel Bowes-Lyon, the British Queen Mother, who became a symbol of resistance during the bombings of London. Her decision to stay in the country and share the hardships with her people made her stand out at a time when monarchies could have opted for personal safety. Her famous phrase, "I am glad we were bombed," underscores her unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. In this context, the figure of Princess Alice of Battenberg also deserves to be highlighted. While three of her daughters joined Nazi officials, her own action in saving a Jewish family in Greece by hiding them from the Gestapo demonstrates remarkable courage. This act of humanity, risking her life, contrasts sharply with the attitude of other members of the aristocracy who chose to ignore the persecution. The case of Denmark during the Nazi occupation highlights the power of civil resistance, in which the royal family played a crucial symbolic role. The collaboration between Danish citizens and the monarchy enabled the rescue of about 8,000 Jews, a testament to the value of solidarity in times of horror. While some kings and princes aligned with the Nazis, others, like King Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden, publicly advocated for offering asylum to the persecuted. These decisions, made at critical moments, shaped the fate of many and reflect how the position of a monarchy can influence the course of history. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, it is essential to remember not only the atrocities but also the acts of heroism that emerged in response. The lessons of history teach us that silence and complicity can lead to unimaginable tragedies, while bravery and compassion can save lives and provide hope in the darkest moments. Recognizing the history of monarchies during the Holocaust is not only a tribute to the victims but also a call to responsibility and action. Today, it is imperative that figures of power, including monarchies, stand up for human rights and the dignity of all peoples, learning from the lessons of the past to build a more just and humane future.