Prince Harry paid tribute to his grandfather Prince Philip, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 99, with a powerful message for Earth Day on Thursday.
“On this Earth Day, I reflect on generations of conservation champions, including my late grandfather, and feel proud and energized to continue doing my part in this legacy,” Harry said in a statement, according to Entertainment Tonight. “This year especially, I join the incredible African Parks team and communities around the world in shared dedication to our environment and collective wellbeing.”
To celebrate Earth Day, Harry narrated a video that featured stunning footage of African Parks.
“These vital landscapes are helping to safeguard Africa’s biodiversity, serving as a foundation for a healthy planet and delivering benefits to hundreds of thousands of people,” he said in the video, which ended with an uplifting message from the royal.
“Hope starts here with the places that we are protecting now to ensure a healthy future for us all,” Harry concluded.
Prince Harry has narrated a re-release of @AfricanParks’ “Hope Starts Here" for #EarthDay. The video highlights the importance of resourcing national parks and protection areas to help deliver essentials like clean air and water, food security, jobs, education and healthcare. pic.twitter.com/OIykTqrRu4
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) April 22, 2021
Since 2017, Harry has been president of African Parks, an organization which is comprised of 19 parks in 11 countries across Africa.
This comes two days after Harry returned home after visiting the United Kingdom for the first time in over a year to attend Philip’s funeral. Harry’s wife Meghan Markle did not attend, as she was not given the clearance by doctors due to the fact that she is currently six months pregnant with their second child.
After Philip died on April 9, Harry released a brief statement paying tribute to him.
“My grandfather was a man of service, honour and great humour. He was authentically himself, with a seriously sharp wit, and could hold the attention of any room due to his charm—and also because you never knew what he might say next,” Harry said, according to People Magazine. “He will be remembered as the longest reigning consort to the Monarch, a decorated serviceman, a Prince and a Duke. But to me, like many of you who have lost a loved one or grandparent over the pain of this past year, he was my grandpa: master of the barbecue, legend of banter, and cheeky right ’til the end.”
“He has been a rock for Her Majesty The Queen with unparalleled devotion, by her side for 73 years of marriage, and while I could go on, I know that right now he would say to all of us, beer in hand, ‘Oh do get on with it!'” he added. “So, on that note, Grandpa, thank you for your service, your dedication to Granny, and for always being yourself. You will be sorely missed, but always remembered—by the nation and the world. Meghan, Archie, and I (as well as your future great-granddaughter) will always hold a special place for you in our hearts.”
Harry ended his statement with the Royal Marines motto, “Per Mare, Per Terram,” which translates to, “By Sea, By Land.”
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