Prince William Mourns Loss of Friend in Tragic Plane Crash

The world was shocked and saddened to learn about the tragic plane crash that occurred earlier this week in Kenya's Tisavo National Park.

The crash claimed the lives of Mark Jenkins and his son Peter, who were on a routine aerial patrol with the non-profit David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

The news has hit particularly close to home for Prince William, who released a statement expressing his grief over the loss of his close friend Mark.

Mark Jenkins was a devoted conservationist who had dedicated his life to the preservation of wildlife in East Africa's most renowned national parks.

Prince William had first met Mark during his three and a half months in Africa in 2001, where he learned about game conservation, wildlife, and the environment.

Both shared a passion for wildlife conservation, and a strong bond developed between them.

In a statement released on Kensington Palace's Twitter page, Prince William expressed his condolences to Mark's loved ones.

He wrote, “Yesterday, I lost a friend who dedicated his life to protecting wildlife in some of East Africa's most renowned national parks.

Mark Jenkins and his son Peter were tragically killed when flying over Tisavo National Park while conducting an aerial patrol.

Tonight, I'm thinking about Mark's wife, family and colleagues, who sadly lost a man we all loved and admired.”

The tweet was signed off with his initial, to show that it had come from him.

The Frankfurt Zoological Society also paid tribute to Mark, describing him as a lifelong conservationist and experienced bush pilot.

The tribute read, “Passionate, principled and strong-willed.

Mark was never afraid to speak his mind and stand for what he believed in.

He was an incredible 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.”

The loss of Mark Jenkins is a great loss to the conservation community.

He had devoted his life to protecting wildlife in East Africa's national parks, and his contributions will be sorely missed.

Prince William has been involved in efforts to save endangered species from poachers for several years.

In 2018, he visited the continent as part of his role as patron of the Royal African Society.

During his time in Africa, Prince William established United for Wildlife to defend endangered species from the illicit wildlife trade and became the patron of the Tusk Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation.

His dedication to the cause is evident in the statement he released, expressing his grief over the loss of Mark Jenkins.

The park where the plane crash occurred is almost 22,000 square kilometers and is the largest national park in Kenya and one of the biggest in the world, according to the official website.

In 2014, Prince William, through United for Wildlife, was involved in a scheme tested at Tisavo National Park in Kenya that deployed secret surveillance cameras around many of the world's last great wildernesses in the hope of catching poachers.

The loss of Mark Jenkins is a reminder of the dangers faced by those who work tirelessly to protect wildlife in some of the world's most remote areas.

The conservation community has lost a true hero, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.

Royal fans have expressed their support for Prince William during this difficult time.

One fan wrote, “These Rangers are true heroes.

It's heartbreaking to hear that another brave soul has lost his life while protecting our precious wildlife.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all his loved ones at this impossible time.”

Another posted, “Heartbreaking prayers to the family.”

And a third added, “Absolutely devastating.”

In conclusion, the loss of Mark Jenkins is a great loss to the conservation community.

Prince William has expressed his grief over the loss of his friend and has been involved in efforts to save endangered species from poachers for several years.

The conservation community has lost a true hero, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.