“[Dr. Goodall] showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her. She will be deeply missed,” the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have joined the world in mourning the death of pioneering conservationist Jane Goodall, whose work transformed humanity’s understanding of chimpanzees and the natural world.

Goodall passed away at age 91 of natural causes while on a speaking tour in Los Angeles, leaving behind a global legacy of environmental activism and scientific discovery.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released a heartfelt statement describing Goodall as a “visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us,” sharing a personal memory of the beloved primatologist holding their infant son Archie.

“Her commitment to changing lives extends beyond what the world saw, and also to what we personally felt,” the couple said. “She held our son when he was first born, and showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her.

She will be deeply missed.” The moment they recalled highlights the private warmth and humanity behind Goodall’s public image, a side that touched the Sussex family personally.

Harry first met Goodall in December 2018 at Kensington Palace, inviting her to discuss their shared concerns for the environment.

That meeting sparked a lasting friendship and collaboration, as Goodall visited Frogmore Cottage in Windsor in June 2019 ahead of the Global Leadership Meeting for her Roots & Shoots youth program.

Meghan and baby Archie were present during the visit, and Goodall recalled the moment with a laugh: “He was very tiny and very sleepy, not too pleased to be passed from his mummy.”

The Sussexes clearly cherished the memory, emphasizing the personal connection they shared with a figure whose work spanned decades and continents.

Goodall’s influence on environmental science and conservation is unparalleled.

After years of groundbreaking field research in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park, she revolutionized the study of chimpanzees by documenting their personalities, complex social structures, and tool-using behavior.

Her discoveries challenged scientific assumptions and drew global attention to the intelligence and emotional capacity of primates.

“Dr. Goodall’s discoveries as an ethologist revolutionized science, and she was a tireless advocate for the protection and restoration of our natural world,” her institute said in a tribute statement.

Throughout her life, Goodall’s charisma and determination enabled her to bridge the gap between rigorous scientific research and public engagement.

She traveled extensively, speaking to audiences worldwide and inspiring generations of scientists, activists, and ordinary citizens alike to care for the planet.

Her Roots & Shoots program, which encourages young people to lead conservation initiatives in their own communities, remains a testament to her belief in the power of youth to change the world.

Goodall’s honors included being made a Dame in 2004 by then-Prince Charles, now King, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to science and humanitarian causes.

Her celebrity status, rare for a scientist, helped her draw attention to pressing environmental issues while maintaining her rigorous research and ethical dedication.

Yet it was her personal warmth—whether holding baby Archie, teaching the Sussexes the playful “Chimpanzee Greeting,” or mentoring countless young activists—that truly defined her impact on the human heart.

The Jane Goodall Institute emphasized that her work “not only made an indelible mark on our understanding of chimpanzees and other species, but also of humankind and the environments we all share.”

Her tireless advocacy, curiosity, and compassion fostered hope in a generation increasingly aware of environmental crises, and her ability to connect with people on a personal level ensured that her message of conservation resonated worldwide.

Even in her final weeks, Goodall continued her mission. She appeared at public events, spoke at summits, and inspired new audiences with her energy and insight.

Her relationship with the Sussex family underscores the personal impact she had on those who encountered her, demonstrating the ways in which her kindness, knowledge, and passion intersected to leave a lasting legacy.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tribute captures both the public and private dimensions of Goodall’s life: a tireless advocate for animals and the environment, a mentor and inspiration to millions, and a gentle, affectionate presence in the lives of those who knew her personally.

“She will be deeply missed,” the Sussexes concluded, a sentiment echoed around the globe as the world reflects on a life spent in relentless pursuit of understanding, empathy, and change.

Jane Goodall’s extraordinary journey—from the forests of Tanzania to the hearts of world leaders and children alike—remains an enduring testament to the power of dedication, curiosity, and love for the natural world.

Her memory, much like her beloved chimpanzees and the countless people she inspired, will endure long beyond her years, continuing to shape conservation, science, and human understanding for generations to come.

Her legacy is a reminder that one life, lived with passion, courage, and compassion, can touch the world in ways both profound and deeply personal.

The warmth she shared with the Sussexes—and the iconic image of her holding baby Archie—is now forever part of her remarkable story.