Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have joined a chorus of global voices mourning the loss of Dame Jane Goodall, sharing a deeply personal tribute that highlighted not only her towering scientific legacy but also her gentle humanity.

In a joint statement released through the Archewell Foundation, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed their grief and admiration for the legendary primatologist and humanitarian.

“Dr. Jane Goodall DBE was a visionary humanitarian, scientist, friend to the planet, and friend to us,” the couple wrote. “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.”

Their words revealed a more intimate connection between the royal couple and Goodall — one that extended far beyond public appearances and professional collaboration. The trio first met in 2019 at Windsor Castle during a Roots & Shoots youth summit, where Harry famously shared an affectionate “chimpanzee greeting” dance with her — a moment that quickly went viral. The friendship continued through shared conservation efforts and personal visits, with Goodall later recalling how she had cuddled baby Archie during a private meeting at Frogmore Cottage.

For Harry and Meghan, Goodall was more than a global icon — she was a guiding light. Their tribute, while brief, captured the essence of what made her so beloved: her ability to connect science, compassion, and the human spirit.

“Jane reminded us that hope is an action, not just a feeling,” Meghan once said in a 2020 interview, following a joint discussion she and Harry had with Goodall about climate anxiety and youth empowerment. “She made us believe that kindness could change the world.”

In the wake of Goodall’s passing, that sentiment feels even more poignant. The Sussexes’ words have since been shared widely by fans, environmentalists, and royal watchers alike, many of whom noted the rare emotional intimacy in their statement. “This wasn’t just a public tribute,” one commenter wrote. “It was a love letter to a friend who shaped their lives.”

Although Harry and Meghan did not attend Goodall’s funeral at Westminster Abbey, their message was read aloud during a segment of the service honoring her humanitarian partnerships. A close friend of Goodall’s described it as “a moment of quiet sincerity” — one that bridged generations and continents.

The Duke and Duchess’s tribute underscored how deeply intertwined Goodall’s influence had become with their own charitable mission. Through the Archewell Foundation, Harry and Meghan have long championed environmental education, mental health awareness, and community resilience — causes that mirror Goodall’s lifelong advocacy.

In closing their statement, the couple offered a reflection that encapsulated both grief and gratitude:

“Her spirit lives on in the forests she protected, in the children she inspired, and in every act of compassion she awakened. Jane showed us the way — now it’s up to all of us to keep walking.”

A fitting farewell to a woman who changed the world — and touched even royal hearts along the way.