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

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

On Sunday, May 11, 2025, King Felipe (57) and Queen Letizia (52) will travel to Austria to take part in the international liberation celebration at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial. This celebration marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp and its subcamps, which will be celebrated in 2025. The commemoration ceremony has the motto “Together for ‘Never again!”’ and is a central event of the memorial year that commemorates the suffering caused by the Nazi dictatorship. This honors millions of victims of systematic persecution and murder.

King Felipe was invited to take part in the memorial event by the Austrian Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen (81). This is organized by the Mauthausen Committee Austria (MKÖ), which has been committed to remembering the Nazi victims since it was founded in 1997. Spain's historical connection to Mauthausen receives particular attention, as around 7,000 Republican Spaniards were deported to the camp. Only about a third of these deportees were rescued by the US Army on May 5, 1945.

A symbol of remembrance

The liberation celebration itself has been held every year since 1946 and is an important event in commemoration of the victims of National Socialism. In 2025 it will be particularly highlighted as it focuses on the importance of remembering and enlightenment. A quote from the legacy of the Austrian camp community summarizes this belief: “Those who have no memory also have no future.” The annual theme 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 commemoration and liberation celebrations throughout Austria. Over 110 such events are planned for 2025, including on March 23rd in Rechnitz and on July 4th and 5th in Goldegg.

Preparations and important meetings

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, there. During his stay, he also attended the closing 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 was also able to see her daughter again during this time, which gave the visit to Austria a personal touch. The royal family's trip is therefore not only a sign of remembrance, but also a moment of family reunion.

The commemorative events in Mauthausen and throughout Austria on the 80th anniversary of the liberation invite you to reflect on history and take the lessons from the past to heart for the future. The international liberation celebration on May 11th will be an opportunity to reflect on these topics among many personalities and visitors.