Prince William’s emotional tribute after friend killed with son in plane tragedy

Mark Jenkins, a personal friend of the royal, died while carrying out conservation work in East Africa (Picture: PA/Frankfurt Zoological Society)

Prince William has issued an emotional tribute to his friend who has died in a plane crash.

Pilot Mark Jenkins lost his life alongside his son Peter when his aircraft went down over a conservation area in East Africa. 

The wildlife specialist was conducting an aerial patrol of the area at the time.

Both were killed when the small plane crashed in Tsavo National Park.

Writing on the Kensington Royal account, William 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 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’

The Frankfurt Zoological Society, Mr Jenkins’ former employer, has also paid tribute.

It read: ‘Passionate, principled, and strong-willed, Mark was never afraid to speak his mind and stand for what he believed in.

The prince issued a rare personal tribute to his conservationist friend (Picture: PA)

‘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.’

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The park is almost 22,000 square kilometres and is the largest national park in Kenya – and one of the biggest in the world, according to the official website.

It is made up of two separate parks, Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Park, in the Coast Province of Kenya between Nairobi City and Mombasa.

The website states that the park is home to red elephants and large open spaces.

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Conservationist Mark Jenkins died alongside son Peter when his plane went down in East Africa.