Prince William has paid a deeply moving tribute to renowned zoologist and conservation pioneer Iain Douglas-Hamilton, following his death at the age of 83.
Douglas-Hamilton, the founder of Save the Elephants and a long-time ambassador for Tusk, was widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential champions of elephant conservation.
In a personal message shared on his official social media account, the Prince of Wales expressed profound sorrow, calling Douglas-Hamilton a man whose life’s work transformed global understanding of elephants and the urgent need to protect them.
Prince William also recalled his cherished memories of spending time with the conservationist in Africa and extended heartfelt condolences to his family, including his wife Oria and daughters, Saba and Dudu.
Douglas-Hamilton passed away on December 8, 2025. Over a career spanning six decades, he played a pivotal role in exposing the devastating impact of ivory poaching, helping pave the way for the international ivory trade ban in 1989.
He founded Save the Elephants in 1993 and co-authored acclaimed books that shaped modern wildlife conservation.
Honoured with numerous international awards, including a CBE, Douglas-Hamilton remained devoted to protecting elephants despite facing life-threatening dangers throughout his career. His legacy continues through his family, who remain actively involved in wildlife conservation across Africa.
Prince William, a vocal advocate against poaching and the ivory trade, has long shared Douglas-Hamilton’s mission through initiatives such as United for Wildlife and his work with Tusk.
The conservation community now mourns the loss of a visionary whose impact will endure for generations.