SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Prince & Princess of Wales

Duke of Cambridge pens letter of support for Kaziranga National Park

William and Kate, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Duke of Cambridge has sent a letter of support to the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve following devastating flooding during the monsoon season, which has seen 92% of the park inundated and 123 animals killed.

William and Kate visited Kaziranga National Park in 2016 as part of their royal visit to India and Bhutan. In the message, William writes:

“Catherine and I were heartbroken to hear about the appalling devastation to Kaziranga National Park and its precious wildlife caused by the very heavy monsoon flooding.

“We have the happiest memories of our visit to Kaziranga in April 2016 and are shocked by what has happened. The deaths of so many animals, including one-horned rhinos, is deeply upsetting. We know from our visit how dedicated all the staff in Kaziranga are in caring for the Park’s wildlife, and can only begin to imagine what a difficult time this must be. Catherine and I greatly admire all the work that you and the rangers at Kaziranga are doing to risk your own safety, rescue animals and contain the damage.

“The loss of life and livelihoods in Assam as a result of the flooding, coming on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, is deeply distressing. We offer our deepest condolences to all those affected.”

In a handwritten note, the Duke added, “You are all in our thoughts.”

Kaziranga National Park shared the letter on its social media account, writing: “We are deeply moved by your letter full of compassion and concern for KNP. In difficult times like this, a message from you surely is a morale booster for all.”  

During their visit in 2016, the Cambridges rode through the park to view the one-horned rhinos, and Kate fed a baby rhino. They also learned about conservation and anti-poaching efforts at the park. Kaziranga National Park is the world’s largest habitat for one-horned rhinos and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.