Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Share a Sweet Tribute to Late ‘Friend’ Desmond Tutu
The world recently lost a human rights icon: Desmond Tutu. The South African Archbishop fought against apartheid in his home country and often called out other human rights abuses around the world.
After Tutu died on Dec. 26, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry paid tribute to him with a sweet message.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry met Desmond Tutu in 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex got a chance to meet Tutu in September 2019 when they did a royal tour of southern Africa. The couple described this experience in an Instagram post along with a photograph of them, their son Archie, and Tutu.
“This morning The Duke and Duchess were honoured to introduce their son Archie, to Archbishop, Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Thandeka,” the post read. “The Archbishop, a globally respected figure in anti-apartheid movement, is one of the world’s great champions of equality, and has spent his life tirelessly battling injustice.”
The post continued, “Their Royal Highnesses have joined The Archbishop and Thandeka to learn more about the work of The Tutu and Leah Legacy Foundation, and see first-hand how they are focussing on global awareness of the critical issues affecting the world.”
Before then, Harry had met the Archbishop in 2015. According to Africa Times, Harry visited Lesotho to open a children’s center and met with Tutu in Cape Town, South Africa, to talk about promoting human rights.
The Sussexes share a sweet tribute to Desmond Tutu after his death
Meghan and Harry seems to have been mourning Tutu’s death along with the rest of the world. According to Harper’s Bazaar, the couple released a statement to reflect on his work and their memories with him.
“Archbishop Tutu will be remembered for his optimism, his moral clarity, and his joyful spirit,” the statement read. “He was an icon for racial justice and beloved across the world. It was only two years ago that he held our son, Archie, while we were in South Africa – ‘Arch and The Arch’ he had joked, his infectious laughter ringing through the room, relaxing anyone in his presence. He remained a friend and will be sorely missed by all.”
Queen Elizabeth also released a statement about Desmond Tutu’s death
The Sussexes are not the only members of the royal family touched by Tutu’s death. Queen Elizabeth also released a statement on Twitter in response to the event.
“I am joined by the whole Royal Family in being deeply saddened by the news of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man who tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across the world,” the message said. “I remember with fondness my meetings with him and his great warmth and humour.”
Her Majesty continued, “Archbishop Tutu’s loss will be felt by the people of South Africa and by so many people in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and across the Commonwealth, where he was held in such high affection and esteem.”
The queen had met the Archbishop a few times. For example, she met with him and Nelson Mandela in 1995 during a visit to South Africa. In 1999, she presented him with the Wilberforce Medal. In 2013, she hosted him at Buckingham Palace.
