Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have paid tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu
who has sadly died.
The
couple gave a statement and said: “Archbishop Tutu will be remembered for
his optimism, his moral clarity, and his joyful spirit. 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.”
Archbishop
Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace prize in 1984 for his part in helping to end the
apartheid system in South Africa, died on Boxing Day.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met the Archbishop back in 2019, during their
royal tour of South Africa. It was one of the first times royal fans saw their
son Archie, who enjoyed having tea with his parents and Desmond Tutu.
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| Meghan and Harry met Desmond when Archie was a baby |
The Queen released the following
statement: “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.
“I
remember with fondness my meetings with him and his great warmth and humour.
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.”
A
statement on behalf of Desmond’s family from Dr. Ramphela Mamphele, acting
chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, read: “Ultimately, at
the age of 90, he died peacefully at the Oasis Frail Care Centre in Cape Town
this morning,” reports Sky News.
