The Duke of Sussex spent the day at Liwonde National Park in Malawi, working on conservation projects while also taking over the National Geographic Instagram account.
Beginning at the memorial site for Guardsman Mathew Talbot, a member of the Coldstream Guards who lost his life during an anti-poaching patrol earlier this year, Harry paid tribute to the soldier, who shares his passion for wildlife conservation and the role the British military can play in anti-poaching.
Embed from Getty ImagesGuardsman Talbot was a part of the Counter-Poaching Operation, helping Malawians to protect their wildlife from poachers when he was killed after being charged by an elephant.
In a statement, Talbot’s parents, Steven and Michelle, said, “Mathew was passionate about helping endangered animals and would be so happy to know that Prince Harry is in Africa helping to raise awareness of efforts to do this.
“As a family, we were deeply moved when Prince William wrote to us after Mathew’s death expressing his deepest sympathy. We were equally touched by Prince Harry’s wish to pay tribute to Mathew during his and the Duchess of Sussex’s tour of Africa.
“As soon as we heard about Prince Harry’s planned tribute, we had a special plaque made to commemorate Mathew’s life.”
Harry took the plaque with him to Malawi and laid a wreath at the site with a note that read “In grateful memory of Guardsman Talbot who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of his country and conservation. Rest in Peace.”
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile in the Liwonde National Park, Harry snapped photos for the National Geographic Instagram account “to raise awareness of the vital role trees play in the earth’s eco-system,” per Sussex Royal, “and an opportunity for all of us to take a moment, to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings and to share your own view, by looking up!”
The Duke’s first photo was accompanied by a caption from him, saying, “Today I’m in Liwonde National Park, Malawi an important stop on our official tour of Southern Africa, planting trees for The Queens Commonwealth Canopy. As part of this takeover, I am inviting you to be a part of our ‘Looking Up’ social campaign. To help launch the campaign, here is a photograph I took today here in Liwonde of Baobab trees.”
The social media campaign, called Looking Up, encouraged people from around the world to share photos of their own landscape when looking up. Harry later selected a few images that used the hashtag #lookingup and shared the images on the Sussex Royal Instagram.
Afterwards, His Royal Highness visited the Liwonde National Park headquarters to learn about their operational efforts and to watch an anti-poaching demonstration that tackled tracking and surveying skills that soldiers can use. The demonstration was conducted by local Malawian rangers and the UK military personnel deployed for Operation CORDED.
Embed from Getty ImagesHarry then dedicated Liwonde National Park and the adjoining Mangochi Forest to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) with a speech.
Prince Harry said: “…It’s time for me to welcome Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest Reserve to The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy – or QCC.
“I want to thank the Government of Malawi for their vision and commitment to preserving these precious assets; which they continue to prove brings more opportunity to the Malawian people.
“The QCC was launched by my grandmother in 2015, and already almost 50 countries have taken part – dedicating indigenous forests for conservation, or committing to planting millions of trees.
“It is so inspiring that the Commonwealth family has joined forces to save one of the world’s most important natural habitats.
“As The Queen’s Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, I am particularly proud of how this programme will create a physical legacy of Her Majesty’s leadership of the Commonwealth – not just for our generation, but for our children, and their children, too.
Embed from Getty Images“It is now, therefore, my pleasure to welcome the QCC’s two newest members, Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest.”
Meanwhile, back in Johannesburg, Meghan carried out private engagements at Victoria Yards, where she met local artisans and crafters.
Harry concludes his visit to Malawi tomorrow; following this, he will fly back to South Africa to re-join his wife for the conclusion of their tour. Meghan will carry out solo engagements in Johannesburg.
