Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared a touching tribute to Jane Goodall. Following the celebrated conservationist’s death on Wednesday, the couple released a statement to honor Jane and her work, calling her a “friend to the planet, and friend to us”.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said those who met Jane Goodall were “privileged to know her”
Jane passed away in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 1 at the age of 91. She was on a speaking tour of the US. Her death was announced by the Jane Goodall Institute, which noted she had died of natural causes.
In a statement obtained by People, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid homage to the animal welfare advocate. They wrote: “Dr. Jane Goodall DBE was a visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us.”
They went on: “Her commitment to changing lives extends beyond what the world saw, and also to what we personally felt. She held our son, Archie, when he was first born, and showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her. She will be deeply missed.”
Jane and Harry first met in 2018 when he invited her to Kensington Palace. The pair are said to have bonded over their concern for environmental issues.
The Sussexes were far from the only stars to pay tribute to the legend. Other celebs including Michael Douglas, Hilary Clinton, Jane Fonda and Jon Stewart also took to social media to pay their respects. In his tribute, actor Leonardo DiCaprio described Jane as “a true hero for the planet, an inspiration to millions, and a dear friend.”
The actor concluded: “My last message to Jane was simple: ‘You are my hero.’ Now, we all must carry the torch for her in protecting our one shared home.”
TELL US – WILL YOU BE BINGE-WATCHING CHIMP DOCUMENTARIES IN JANE’S HONOR?
