Latest news with #DresdenTrust
Euronews
14-02-2025
- General
- Euronews
Dresden marks 80th anniversary of the Second World War Allied bombing
Commemorations are taking place in Germany of Dresden to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied bombing of Dresden in the Second World War. The British Royal Family's Duke of Kent, Prince Edward, was in attendance to represent King Charles at the event. Edward took part in a human chain around the old town, as hundreds of people stood hand in hand to form a protective ring in remembrance of those who died. The people of the city are still shaken up by the atrocities they witnessed almost a century ago. 'My grandma was ten at the time and she pulled her little sister through a firestorm in a handcart. She told me so much about that time,' said a woman attending the events. The annual event carries a lot of significance to Dresdeners and Germans at large. 'We're actually from Berlin, but we come here every year and think it's very, very good that so many people are here. And we mustn't forget what happened here,' said a woman who travelled to attend the event from the German capital. Of 13 February 1945, Allied forces in World War II (WWII) began a three-day bombing raid on Dresden killing as many as 25,000 people and triggering firestorms that swept through the city centre. Edward, the late Queen Elizabeth II's 89-year-old cousin and the oldest working member of the royal family, travelled to Germany on Thursday to participate in the planned events. He described the 'grief we feel in our hearts' at the 'terrible destruction and loss of life' during the official commemoratory event in Dresden Town Hall. Edward spoke of his desire and commitment to heal the wounds of war and hailed the UK's reconciliation with the people of Dresden in recent years. During his stay in the city, Prince Edward also visited the Dresden Frauenkirche, which was rebuilt and opened in 2005 after it was destroyed during the bombing campaign. The reconstruction of the iconic Baroque church began in 1993, led by the Dresden Trust, of which Edward is the royal patron to. The church was left in ruins as a memorial to the conflict for more than half a century, which for some, represented a symbol of the aggression of the Allied forces.
The Independent
13-02-2025
- General
- The Independent
Duke tells of ‘grief we feel in our hearts' on anniversary of Dresden bombing
The Duke of Kent has described 'the grief we feel in our hearts' at the 'terrible destruction and loss of life' in the Allied bombing of Dresden as he marked the 80th anniversary of the devastating Second World War assault. Edward, the late Queen's 89-year-old cousin and the oldest working member of the royal family, travelled to Germany on Thursday to represent the King at the solemn occasion. Around 25,000 people were killed in the firestorm and much of the historic baroque city was razed to the ground when British and American bombers launched the aerial raid three months before the end of the Second World War. The duke delivered his entire speech in German at the official commemoration event in Dresden Town Hall. He described his determination to heal the wounds of war, and hailed Britain's reconciliation with the people of Dresden in recent decades. 'We are gathered here today to commemorate the terrible destruction and loss of life 80 years ago,' the duke said. 'In addition to the grief we feel in our hearts, we also look back on 30 years of reconciliation and growing friendship between Britain and the people of Dresden. 'As patron of the Dresden Trust, this is very close to my heart. It is my firm desire to heal the wounds of war and promote peace.' He added: 'It is always a pleasure to return to this city, which now shines beautifully in its historical splendour. 'I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the friendship you have shown me and the members of the Dresden Trust.' The duke also took part in a moment of reflection at Frauenkirche – the Church of Our Lady – which was destroyed during the assault and later reconstructed. The church was left in ruins as a memorial to the conflict for more than half a century, representing, for some, a symbol of the aggression of the Allied forces. It was completely renovated and finally returned to its former glory in 2005 with support from the Dresden Trust. The rebuilt cross and orb which sits on top of the church's dome was a gift from the British people to Dresden. The duke, who has visited the city many times, has served as royal patron of the Dresden Trust since it was set up in 1993 to help rebuild the city and build bridges between the UK and Dresden. He has also been patron of the British German Association since 1994. The duke spoke of the new Dresden Learning Path, an interactive digital educational project to encourage students to become aware of the destruction of Dresden and the historical significance of the city in the 20th century. He will later join a human chain around the old town, where hundreds of people stand hand in hand each year to form a protective ring in remembrance of those who died. The devastating two-day attack by RAF Bomber Command began on February 13 1945 and saw 4,000 tonnes of bombs dropped. It has become one of the most controversial Allied acts of the war. In previous years, the anniversary has been used by far-right groups to stage rallies in the city, which in turn has prompted anti-extremist demonstrations.
The Independent
13-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Duke of Kent represents King in Germany on 80th anniversary of Dresden bombing
The Duke of Kent is representing the King at commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Allied bombing of Dresden. Edward, the late Queen's 89-year-old cousin and the oldest working member of the royal family, has travelled to Germany for the solemn ceremonies. Around 25,000 people were killed in the firestorm and much of the historic baroque city was razed to the ground when British and American bombers launched the devastating aerial raid three months before the end of the Second World War. The duke will join a human chain around the old town, where hundreds of people stand hand in hand each year to form a protective ring in remembrance of those who died. He will also attend the official commemoration event in Dresden Town Hall and take part in a moment of reflection at Frauenkirche – the Church of Our Lady – which was destroyed during the assault and later reconstructed. The church was left in ruins as a memorial to the conflict for more than half a century, representing, for some, a symbol of the aggression of the Allied forces. It was completely renovated and finally returned to its former glory in 2005 with support from the Dresden Trust. The rebuilt cross and orb which sits on top of the church's dome was a gift from the British people to Dresden. The duke, who has visited the city many times, served as royal patron of the Dresden Trust since it was set up in 1993 to help rebuild the city and build bridges between the UK and Dresden. He has also been patron of the British German Association since 1994. The devastating two-day attack by RAF Bomber Command began on February 13 1945 and saw 4,000 tonnes of bombs dropped in the attack. It has become one of the most controversial Allied acts of the war. In previous years, the anniversary has been used by far-right groups to stage rallies in the city, which in turn has prompted anti-extremist demonstrations.
