King Felipe and Letizia: Mauthausen commemorating for the 80th time!

King Felipe and Letizia: Mauthausen commemorating for the 80th time!

On Sunday, May 11th, 2025, King Felipe (57) and Queen Letizia (52) travel to Austria to take part in the international liberation ceremony in the Mauthausen concentration camp memorial. This celebration is all about the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp and its outer warehouse, which will be celebrated in 2025. The commemoration is under the motto "Never again! '" And is a central event of the commemorative year that is reminiscent of the suffering caused by the Nazi dictatorship. Millions of victims of systematic persecution and murder are recognized.

King Felipe was invited to participate in the memorial event by the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen (81). This is organized by the Mauthausen Committee (MKÖ), which has been committed to commemorating the Nazi victims since its foundation in 1997. The historical connection of Spain to Mauthausen is particularly noticed, since around 7,000 Republican Spaniards were deported to the camp. Only about a third of these deportees could be saved by the US Army on May 5, 1945.

a sign of commemoration

The liberation celebration itself has been held every year since 1946 and is an important event for memory of the victims of National Socialism. In 2025 it will be particularly highlighted because it aims at the importance of remembering and clarification. A quote from the legacy of the Austrian camp community summarizes this conviction: "If you have no memory, you have no future." The annual topic for 2025 will focus on preventing war and fascism and promoting peace.

In addition to the international liberation celebration in Mauthausen, the MKÖ will also initiate numerous regional commemorative and liberation celebrations throughout Austria. Over 110 such events are planned for 2025, including on March 23 in Rechnitz and on July 4th and 5th in Goldegg.

preparations and important encounters

King Felipe, who was still in the Dominican Republic at the time of his arrival in Austria, had previously received Tim Reynolds, President of the "Reynolds Foundation". During his stay, he also took part in the final ceremony of the "World Law Congress" and presented the "World Peace & Liberty Award" to Sonia Sotomayor. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the rule of law for the protection of human dignity and democratic coexistence.

After a long separation, Queen Letizia could also see her daughter again during this time, which gives a personal touch to the visit to Austria. The journey of the royal family is therefore not only a sign of commemoration, but also a moment of family gathering.

The memorial events in Mauthausen and all over Austria invite you to deal with history and to take the teachings from the past for the future. The international liberation celebration on May 11th will be an opportunity to reflect these topics in the area of ​​many personalities and visitors.