When Gerald Durrell initially invited a young Princess Anne to serve as the patron of his nascent wildlife charity back in 1972, she was intrigued but had one condition—she wanted her role to be a challenging one. Fast forward over half a century, and Princess Anne, the beloved second child and only daughter of the late Queen Elizabeth II, still stands as one of Durrell’s most ardent supporters, eagerly engaging in the organization’s mission.
Throughout the years, Princess Anne has become a familiar face at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust’s headquarters in Jersey. However, her commitment goes well beyond local visits. She has traveled to various global projects funded by the charity, spanning countries such as Belize, Mauritius, Brazil, and Madagascar, where she has witnessed the impactful work being done in conservation and wildlife education. This international engagement highlights not only her dedication but also the Trust’s global reach and influence in preserving biodiversity.
In 2022, the Princess was honored for her remarkable dedication with the gifting of a tortoise sculpture, commemorating her 50 years of service. Excitingly, she is set to return to Jersey next month to play a pivotal role in the Trust’s annual lecture, a special event commemorating what would have been Gerald Durrell’s 100th birthday. This lecture, entitled “Wild Tales,” is scheduled for November 4 at the Jersey Opera House, and promises to be an evening filled with insightful discussions about conservation.
The evening will include a conversation between the Trust’s honorary director, Dr. Lee Durrell, and renowned writer and broadcaster Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who is celebrated for his strong advocacy for sustainable and environmental practices. Attendees will also hear from Dr. Mike Hudson, who will share insights on how the Trust’s “Rewild Our World Strategy,” launched in 2017, has made a positive impact on various species and communities around the globe.
In addition to the lecture, Princess Anne has a busy schedule lined up for November 4. She will be touring the newly refurbished Jersey Opera House, celebrating its 125th anniversary, as well as visiting the Jersey branch of the Royal Air Forces Association to mark its 100th anniversary. A highlight of the day will be the unveiling of a beautiful portrait of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, commemorating their visit to Jersey the previous year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to this momentous event,” said Rebecca Brewer, chief executive of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. “Her presence, especially since she attended the lecture that initiated our strategy in 2017, makes it a fitting conclusion to this important chapter in our conservation efforts.”
To learn more about this extraordinary event or to purchase tickets, you can visit the Durrell’s official website. This all promises a wonderful opportunity to celebrate conservation and the impactful legacy of Gerald Durrell.
Tags: #WorldNews #Lifestyle #Tourism #Environment
