The Sussexes’ share photos taken by the Duke to mark Earth Day

Harry and Meghan share eight photos taken by the Duke to celebrate Earth Day – capturing his up-close encounters with lions, orcas and rhinos

  • Prince Harry and Meghan shared nine pictures on Instagram to mark Earth Day
  • First image shows the royal couple in New Zealand walking near Redwood trees
  • Following eight photographs were taken by the Duke of Sussex on his travels 
  • Couple reminded followers of human affect on the world several times in caption

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared a series of impressive wildlife photographs taken by Prince Harry to mark Earth Day on their Instagram account.

In a gallery post shared with their 4.9million followers this afternoon the couple said that today was an ‘opportunity to learn about, celebrate and continue to safeguard our planet, our home.’ 

The first picture showed the pair holding hands, with Meghan lovingly gazing at her husband, while in Rotorua, New Zealand.

However the following eight pictures showed Harry’s skill behind the camera and captured his up-close encounters while visiting other countries.   

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pictured in Rotorua, New Zealand, have shared a series of pictures taken by Prince Harry to mark Earth Day today

The first of two black and white images, pictured, showed ‘Africa’s Unicorn, the rhino’ resting on a branch. The caption reminded Instagram followers that humans are a threat to the animals

The first image showed ‘Africa’s Unicorn, the rhino’ resting on a branch and was posted in black and white.

The caption said: ‘Africa’s Unicorn, the rhino. These magnificent animals have survived ice ages and giant crocodiles, amongst other things! 

‘They have adapted to earth’s changing climate continually for over 30 million years. Yet here we are in 2019 where their biggest threat is us.’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then shared a picture of two feathers in front of a  sunset and took the opportunity to remind followers that humans are affecting eco-systems.

Another shot, pictured, shared by the Sussexes was a close up of a lion’s eye. The post revealed that only four per cent of mammals on the earth are still wild animals

The Sussexes used this image of whales to illustrate that ‘fishing sustainably can benefit us all’ as ‘populations are recovering in Norway thanks to the protection of their fisheries’

The caption said: ‘A critical ecosystem, Botswana’s Okavango Delta sustains millions of people and an abundance of wildlife. 

‘Huge bush fires, predominantly started by humans, are altering the entire river system; the ash kills the fish as the flood comes in and the trees that don’t burn become next year’s kindling.’

Another black and white picture showed how humans have encroached on habitats and in another artsy shot taken by Harry shows a close up of a lion’s eye.

The Sussex Royal account wrote: ‘Desert lions are critically endangered due partly to human wildlife conflict, habitat encroachment and climate change. 

‘96% of mammals on our earth are either livestock or humans, meaning only 4% remaining are wild animals.’

A picture showing two feathers in front of a sunset on the Okavango Delta was also taken by Prince Harry and the caption reminded followers that humans are affecting eco-systems

A picture of whales addressed the issue of sustainable fishing on the Earth Day thread. 

They wrote: ‘Orca and Humpback whale populations are recovering in Norway thanks to the protection of their fisheries. Proof that fishing sustainably can benefit us all.’

Towards the end of the Instagram post the Sussexes again raised the issue of changing environments and shared an image to show deforestation. 

The couple, who are expecting their first child very soon, then discussed the issue of plastic in the ocean and how this doesn’t just cause ‘environmental problems but medical problems for ourselves too.’

The Sussexes also raised the issue of plastic in the ocean on their Earth Day Instagram post and highlighted that as well as environmental problems, micro plastics can cause medical ones too

This vibrant picture taken by Prince Harry highlighted the issue of deforestation in Guyana

The caption read: ‘Roughly 3/4 of Guyana is forested, its forests are highly diverse with 1,263 known species of wildlife and 6,409 species of plants. 

‘Many countries continue to try and deforest there for the global demand for timber.

‘We all now know the damage plastics are causing to our oceans. Micro plastics are also ending up in our food source, creating not just environmental problems for our planet but medical problems for ourselves too.

Two black and white pictures were included in the gallery. This picture was used to comment on the problem of bush fires that are altering the river system in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

The final of Prince Harry’s pictures highlighted the work of African Parks Network who relocated 500 elephants in Malawi to help reduce pressure on human wildlife conflict

‘When a fenced area passes its carrying capacity for elephants, they start to encroach into farmland causing havoc for communities. 

‘Here African Parks Network relocated 500 Elephants to another park within Malawi to reduce the pressure on human wildlife conflict and create more dispersed tourism.’

The post ended on an encouraging note, saying: ‘Every one of us can make a difference, not just today but everyday.’

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