A survivor of the Holocaust proved the “impossible is possible” as she reminisced about escaping death at Auschwitz on a visit to Buckingham Palace.

Lily Ebert, 84, who survived Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, visited Buckingham Palace as a guest at the Queen’s Royal Garden Party.

Mrs Ebert, who lives in Golders Green, has devoted her life to speaking to as many people as possible about her experiences to raise awareness of the horrors of the Holocaust.

The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT) nominated her  to attend the garden party in recognition of her work with the charity.

Mrs Ebert was just 14 when she and her family were deported to Auschwitz in 1944. Her mother, sister and brother were sent to the gas chambers, but she managed to survive the war as a slave labourer.

Olivia Marks-Woldman, chief executive of HMDT said: “Lily has worked tirelessly recounting her life story and has ensured that thousands of people have a better understanding of the events of the Holocaust.

“Her Majesty the Queen is Patron of HMDT, and so we were delighted to be able to offer Lily the opportunity to attend Buckingham Palace in recognition of her work.”

Mrs Ebert said: “It was very interesting to visit the palace. It is fantastic that it is open for people. 

"It was really impressive, the gardens were beautiful. When I was there my mind went back 69 years, to a place where I was hungry, dirty and in rags.

"The journey from Auschwitz to Buckingham Palace is an impossible possibility. This shows you should never give up hope – when we have life we have hope."