26th December, 2021
The death of anti-apartheid veteran Archbishop Desmond Tutu has deeply saddened Queen Elizabeth and the royal family.
The Queen described him as a man who ‘tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across the world’.
In a message of condolence she said: ‘I am joined by the whole Royal Family in being deeply saddened by the news of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a man who tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across the world.
‘I remember with fondness my meetings with him and his great warmth and humour.
‘Archbishop Tutu’s loss will be felt by the people of South Africa, and by so many people in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and across the Commonwealth, where he was held in such high affection and esteem.’
Since President Cyril Raamaphosa announced Tutu’s death on Sunday morning, messages of condolence and tributes from across the world have flooded in for the South African clergyman.
Tutu, who chaired South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission under President Nelson Mandela, died today in Cape Town aged 90.