European Monarchies and Their Role During the Holocaust: Lessons from the Past

The Holocaust, one of the darkest chapters in modern history, left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of humanity. As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, where over a million people were murdered by the Nazi regime, a pressing question arises about the role played by the monarchies of Europe during this period of barbarity. While King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia pay tribute to the victims, it is important to remember that the response of royal houses varied significantly, with some members of royalty involved in the persecution, while others stood as defenders of the persecuted. Historically, some European monarchies aligned themselves with the Nazi regime, such as King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, who enacted racial laws that led to the death of thousands of Italian Jews. His great-grandson, Manuele Filiberto of Savoy, has attempted to amend this legacy with a public apology to the Jewish community, but the actions of his ancestor continue to tarnish the family history. On the other hand, figures like Princess Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, became icons of resistance. During World War II, she and her husband, King George VI, refused to leave their country in the face of German bombings, demonstrating a bravery that inspired the nation. Their unwavering commitment to remain in the United Kingdom during the conflict, even after Buckingham Palace was bombed, was an example of leadership in times of crisis. The case of Princess Alice of Battenberg, mother of Prince Philip of Edinburgh, is another example of the duality faced by some royal families. While some of her daughters aligned with Nazi officials, Alice risked her life to save a Jewish family during the Holocaust, hiding them in her home in Athens and defying the Gestapo. Within the spectrum of European royalty, there were also those who tried to resist the influence of the Third Reich. King Haakon VII of Norway, along with his son, Olav V, fought for the freedom and sovereignty of their country, becoming symbols of resistance against Nazism. Their efforts to protect the Danish Jewish population also stand out in history, when most of Denmark's Jews managed to escape to Sweden with the help of a resistance movement. The story of the evacuation of Jews in Denmark, where nearly 8,000 people were rescued, underscores the bravery of Danish citizens and the tacit support of the monarchy. King Christian X visited the Copenhagen synagogue as a show of solidarity, a gesture that became a symbol of resistance against oppression. On the other hand, some European princes aligned themselves with the Nazi regime. Prince August Wilhelm of Prussia, a member of the SA, and other nobles like Prince Charles Edward of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha were part of the Nazi Party, illustrating how certain royal families were seduced by extremist ideology. Through these narratives, the complexity of the role played by royal houses during one of the darkest episodes in history is evidenced. While some monarchies aligned themselves with Nazism, others chose to raise their voices and act in favor of the persecuted. The history of royalty during the Holocaust is a mirror reflecting the diversity of responses to barbarism, and a reminder that silence or complicity can have devastating consequences. Current commemorations, such as those held by the Kings of Spain in Auschwitz, not only serve to remember the victims but also offer an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the past. History teaches us that bravery and compassion are fundamental in the fight against injustice. In a world where the echoes of the Holocaust still resonate, it is crucial that both monarchies and citizens continue to learn from these tragic episodes to promote greater tolerance and respect for all, regardless of their background. Historical memory must be a beacon guiding our actions toward a future where barbarism has no place.