Monarch King Charles III Pays Visit to Polish Cultural Hub in London
King Charles III jet-setted over to POSK, the heart and soul of Polish culture in London, on a chilly Wednesday in February 2025. This visit kicked off a series of events emphasizing the lasting friendship between the UK and Poland, and the vibrant imprint of the Polish community on British society.
His footsteps echoed through the Hammersmith-based POSK, Europe's largest Polish cultural hub, after a heartwarming welcome from the Polish Ambassador, Piotr Wilczek, and POSK Chairman, Marcin Kalinowski. The King embarked on a tour, taking in every corner of the newly-opened art exhibition featuring Feliks Fabian, a World War II artist veteran whose work stands as a testament to the spirit of the Polish diaspora.
Synapses firing, King Charles was guided through the exhibit by knowledgeable art historians, Joanna Ciechanowska and Dr. Dobrosława Platt. The collection told tales of harrowing wartime experiences, postwar life in Argentina, and the eventual landing in London for Fabian. Lili Stern-Pohlmann, a Holocaust survivor, kindly donated the pieces for display.
But that wasn't all; King Charles also attended a lively community reception in Malinowa Hall. Here, he engaged with more than a hundred Polish community members, including war veterans, teachers, artists, and young performers. Bubbling with excitement, a Chopin recital was performed by pianist Joanna Kacperek and traditional Polish songs by the POSK Children's Theatre serenaded the delighted audience.
Established in '64 by Polish exiles, POSK has flourished into a beacon of Polish culture within the UK. The cultural powerhouse now houses a theater, concert hall, art gallery, restaurant, and various meeting spaces, acting as a magnet for both the Polish diaspora and the broader British community. Wiktor Moszczyński, Communications Director at POSK, beamed with pride when speaking about the steady integration of the Polish community into British society.
King Charles' journey to POSK started with his poignant trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he tenderly paid his respects to Holocaust victims and survivors. The monarch described this pilgrimage as deeply personal, emphasizing the crucially important role remembrance plays in cultivating a kinder future. His interactions within the Polish community further underlined his commitment to forging international ties and inspiring cross-cultural dialogue.
The enthusiastic response from attendees, who noted a warm and laid-back atmosphere, further proved their deep appreciation for the monarch's genuine interest in their stories. This visit is one of a kind, and it's not just about celebrating Polish culture. It's a heartening reminder of the resilience, integration, and enduring bonds that connect the UK and Poland.
Stay tuned for more updates on renewed UK-Poland relations and the upcoming impact of the Polish community in the UK. Join our mailing list to receive a weekly newsletter recapping the latest news from Poland!
We don't spam! ❓❓❓
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. ❤️❤️❤️❗️❗️❗️
Subscribe to get our weekly recap of News from Poland in your inbox every Saturday! 🇵🇱🇬🇧
We don't spam! 😀
Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. 👍👍👍 #KingCharlesIII #Poland #UK
- King Charles III's visit to POSK, a beacon of Polish culture in London, highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the UK and Poland.
- The art exhibition showcasing World War II artist Feliks Fabian's work demonstrated the vibrant imprint of the Polish diaspora on British society.
- During King Charles' tour, he engaged with various members of the Polish community, including artists, teachers, and war veterans.
- POSK, a cultural powerhouse established in 1964 by Polish exiles, also houses a theater, concert hall, art gallery, restaurant, and meeting spaces.
- In 2025, King Charles embarked on a poignant trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau before visiting POSK, emphasizing the importance of remembrance for a kinder future.
- The enthusiasm from attendees during King Charles' visit highlighted the appreciation for his genuine interest in the Polish community's stories.
- The upcoming impact of the Polish community on British society and the renewed UK-Poland relations are promising aspects to look forward to, as the sun sets on 2025.
