Duchess of Edinburgh delivers King Charles III’s message at 30th Srebrenica genocide anniversary

“I am greatly saddened not to be with you in person today,” the King stated in his message, “but I am most touched and grateful to share these words as we pay our respects.”

King Charles acknowledged the horror of the genocide, confirmed by international courts, and emphasised that while many of those responsible have faced justice, the obligation to remember and prevent future atrocities remains with the global community.

“This does not absolve the rest of us of our duties: both to acknowledge the international community’s failure to prevent the horror and to do all we can to ensure it never happens again,” he wrote.

The King offered a heartfelt tribute to the Mothers of Srebrenica and others who continue to fight to preserve memory in the face of personal grief.

“I humbly salute the Mothers of Srebrenica, and all who do so much, despite their continuing anguish, to preserve the memory of those who died. Their extraordinary courage, compassion, and dignity are a lesson to us all.”

He also praised those who work across communities to build a better future.

“Let us also take inspiration from those who bravely speak out in pursuit of justice and those who dedicate their lives to rebuilding trust between communities. But there can be no shared future when the events of the past are denied or forgotten.”

Calling for unity and reflection, the King emphasised the importance of truth, justice, and a renewed commitment to peace.

“Only by learning from the past does it become possible to share in each other’s loss and look together to the future. Only by working together to find the missing can there be closure for those still seeking answers.”

“Three decades on, it is ever more important to remember all those who suffered, and to redouble our efforts to ensure a peaceful, stable future for all the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

After reading the King’s message, the Duchess of Edinburgh laid a flower in remembrance at the cemetery in Potocari and held a private meeting with members of the Mothers of Srebrenica association.