King Charles III Visits Polish Cultural Centre in London

King Charles III visited the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) in London on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in a gesture underscoring the enduring ties between the United Kingdom and Poland. The visit, which highlighted the vibrant contributions of the Polish community to British society, came just days after the monarch’s historic trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland to mark the 80th anniversary of the concentration camp’s liberation.

The King was warmly welcomed by Polish Ambassador Piotr Wilczek and POSK Chairman Marcin Kalinowski upon his arrival at the Hammersmith-based center, the largest Polish cultural hub in Europe. The visit included a tour of a newly opened art exhibition featuring works by Feliks Fabian, a Polish artist and World War II veteran whose life and art reflect the resilience of the Polish diaspora.

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A Celebration of Polish Heritage

During his visit, King Charles explored the POSK Gallery, where Fabian’s paintings—donated by Holocaust survivor Lili Stern-Pohlmann—were on display. The collection depicted scenes from Fabian’s wartime experiences, his postwar life in Argentina, and his eventual settlement in London. The King was guided through the exhibition by art historian Joanna Ciechanowska and Dr. Dobrosława Platt, director of the POSK Library, the largest Polish library outside Poland.

The monarch also attended a community reception in the Malinowa Hall, where he met with over 100 members of the Polish community, including war veterans, teachers, artists, and young performers. The event featured a Chopin recital by pianist Joanna Kacperek and a performance of traditional Polish songs by the POSK Children’s Theatre.

A Symbol of Integration and Resilience

POSK, established in 1964 by Polish exiles, has grown into a cornerstone of Polish culture in the UK. The center houses a theater, concert hall, art gallery, restaurant, and numerous meeting spaces, serving as a hub for both the Polish diaspora and the broader British community.

“The King’s visit is a seal of approval for the Polish community’s presence in this country,” said Wiktor Moszczyński, POSK’s Director of Communications. “We are proud of our heritage and the way we have integrated into British society while preserving our identity.”

The visit also highlighted the contributions of post-2004 Polish migrants, who have become an integral part of the UK’s social and economic fabric. POSK’s activities, ranging from cultural events to educational programs, reflect the dynamic interplay between Polish traditions and British multiculturalism.

A Personal Connection

King Charles’s visit to POSK followed his emotional journey to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he paid tribute to Holocaust victims and survivors. The monarch described the trip as a “deeply personal pilgrimage,” emphasizing the importance of remembering the past to build a more compassionate future.

His engagement with the Polish community in London further underscored his commitment to fostering international understanding and cultural exchange. The King’s visit was met with enthusiasm by attendees, who described the atmosphere as “friendly and relaxed,” with many expressing gratitude for the monarch’s genuine interest in their stories.

Looking Ahead

The King’s visit to POSK is part of a broader effort to strengthen UK-Poland relations, which have been bolstered by shared historical experiences and mutual respect. As the Polish community continues to thrive in the UK, events like this serve as a reminder of the enduring bonds between the two nations.

For King Charles, the visit was not only a celebration of Polish culture but also a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving heritage in an increasingly interconnected world.