Holocaust Survivor Eva Schloss Dies at 96

Eva Schloss, a Holocaust survivor and stepsister of Anne Frank, has died at the age of 96. King Charles III paid tribute to the Auschwitz survivor, saying he was 'privileged and proud' to have known her.

Austrian-born Schloss fled her home country to the Netherlands, where she would later meet Anne Frank. Her death represents the passing of a generation that witnessed the atrocities of the Second World War firsthand.

Schloss spent her later years ensuring the memory of the Holocaust remained alive, sharing her experiences with audiences worldwide. Her connection to the Frank family provided a unique perspective on one of history's darkest chapters.

King Charles III expressed deep sorrow following the news of Eva Schloss's passing. The monarch described his relationship with Schloss in personal terms, stating he was 'privileged and proud' to have known her.

The King's tribute highlights the high regard in which Schloss was held by global leaders. Her work as a survivor and educator had earned her recognition far beyond the Jewish community.

Throughout her life, Schloss met with numerous dignitaries who sought to understand the lessons of the Holocaust. Her connection to the British royal family underscored the international importance of her testimony.

Eva Schloss was born in Austria but was forced to flee her home country as the Nazi regime tightened its grip on Europe. Seeking safety, her family relocated to the Netherlands.

This move would prove fateful, as it was in the Netherlands that she would cross paths with another young Jewish girl seeking refuge: Anne Frank.

The decision to leave Austria was a desperate attempt to escape the rising tide of antisemitism that would eventually consume millions of lives across the continent.

While living in the Netherlands, Eva Schloss met Anne Frank. The two girls formed a friendship during a time of increasing danger for Jewish families.

This connection would later become a central part of Schloss's story, linking her personal experience to the most famous diary of the Holocaust era.

Their friendship represents the shared suffering of Jewish children during the war, though their fates would diverge tragically.

Despite her family's flight from Austria and attempts to hide in the Netherlands, Eva Schloss was eventually captured. She was deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Schloss survived the horrors of Auschwitz, a feat that only a minority of deportees managed to achieve. Her survival meant she could later bear witness to the crimes committed there.

After the war, she dedicated her life to ensuring that the atrocities she witnessed would never be forgotten.