King Charles issues new statement paying tribute to Holocaust survivor after death aged 100

King Charles issues new statement paying tribute to Holocaust survivor after death aged 100

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Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 09/10/2024

- 14:50

Updated: 09/10/2024

- 15:04

Hungarian-born Lily Ebert, who lived in north-west London, was taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944 at the age of 20

King Charles has issed a new statement paying tribute to a Holocaust survivor after her death at the age of 100.

Lily Ebert, who met the King in 2022, was taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1944 with her family when she was 20.


The 100-year-old Holocaust survivor, whose story became famous as she searched for the family of a soldier who saved her, died at her home in north-west London.

The King issued the following statement: "It was with the greatest sadness that I heard this morning the news of Lily Ebert’s death.

King Charles and Lily EbertKing Charles issues new statement paying tribute to Holocaust survivor after death aged 100Getty

"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.

"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. Charles R".

Ebert's story went viral four years ago when she tried to find out more about the American soldier who liberated her from a death march in Germany.

She was praised by the King and received an MBE for services to Holocaust education.

Lily Ebert

Lily Ebert receiving an MBE in 2023

Ebert's great-grandson, Dov Forman, wrote on social media: "[Her] story touched hundreds of millions worldwide, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit and the dangers of unchecked hatred.

"She was the queen of our large, loving family.

"A light that shone so brightly has gone dark. She was our hero".

Ebert is survived by a daughter and son, 10 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Lily Ebert and Dov Forman

Lily Ebert pictured with her grandson Dov Forman

Queen Camilla and Lily Ebert

Queen Camilla meeting Lily Ebert in 2022

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The 100-year-old had been determined to reach as many people to share her experiences, which led her to embrace social media.

She answered questions and explained the ordeal to younger generation.

With the help of her great-grandson, Forman, she gained more than one million followers on TikTok.

Ebert's family said her funeral will be held in London and she will be buried in Israel.

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