The Prince of Wales has released a short statement on social media, paying tribute to a close family friend who was killed in a plane crash earlier in the week.
Mark Jenkins and his son, Peter, both died in the crash in Kenya while carrying out an aerial patrol to protect wildlife.
Taking to Twitter, Prince William said: “Mark Jenkins, and his son Peter, were tragically killed when flying over Tsavo National Park while conducting an aerial patrol.
“Tonight, I’m thinking about Mark’s wife, family and colleagues who’ve sadly lost a man we all loved and admired. W.”
Mark and Peter were killed in the crash as they conducted patrols over Tsavo National Park for a charity working to protect elephants from poachers.
The Frankfurt Zoological Society said the pair were working for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust at the time, rescuing orphaned elephants.
In a statement, the society said: “Passionate, principled, and strong-willed, Mark was never afraid to speak his mind and stand for what he believed in.
“He was a commanding presence and made an indelible impression wherever he went.
“Those of us who worked alongside him remember him for his determination, thoughtfulness, his energy, his mischievous smile, and his deep love of wildlife and wild places.
“We will miss his warmth, his hilarious stories, and his sometimes rather irreverent comments which always made us smile. Mark was a devoted husband and father and leaves behind his wife, and his son.
“Our deepest condolences go to his family, who tragically lost two beloved family members, to their friends, and to all conservationists who knew Mark and worked with him.
“Our heartfelt condolences go also to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the NGO for which Mark did yesterday’s patrol flight.”
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