When Gerald Durrell invited a young Princess Anne to become patron of his fledgling wildlife charity in 1972, she agreed – but only if the role was “a demanding one”, the story goes.
More than half-a-century of support
More than 50 years on, the Princess Royal – second child and only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, and sister of King Charles III – remains one of Durrell’s most dedicated supporters.
Over the years, she has been a regular visitor to Jersey Zoo’s Trinity headquarters.
But she has also taken the time to venture further afield, visiting many of the Trust’s overseas projects and students who have trained at Durrell’s Conservation Academy, in countries including Belize, Mauritius, Brazil and Madagascar.
Now, the Princess – whose 50 years of service to Durrell were marked with the gifting of a tortoise sculpture in 2022 – is fittingly due to return to Jersey next month to speak at the Trust’s annual lecture in a year that would have seen its founder’s 100th birthday year.
Returning for a milestone moment
It is the last of several events the charity has held in 2025, which also marks the conclusion of the Trust’s Rewild Our World Strategy.
The 2025 Durrell Lecture, titled ‘Wild Tales’, will take place on Tuesday 4 November at the Jersey Opera House.
The evening will also involve a conversation between the Trust’s honorary director, Dr Lee Durrell, and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the award-winning writer and broadcaster renowned for his commitment to sustainable and environmental causes.
Guests will also hear from Dr Mike Hudson, director of conservation knowledge at Durrell, who will discuss how the Trust’s strategy has made a difference to species, people, and places since it launched in 2017.
A “fitting” close to a remarkable chapter
The visit will also see the Princess Royal take part in a number of other engagements locally.
On 4 November, she is due to tour the newly refurbished Jersey Opera House to celebrate its 125th anniversary, and visit the Jersey branch of the Royal Air Forces Association as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.
Princess Anne will also unveil a portrait of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to mark their visit to Jersey last year.
Ahead of the Durrell event, chief executive Rebecca Brewer said: “We are delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, to speak at this momentous event.
“HRH attended the lecture which launched this strategy back in 2017, so it is rather fitting to have her be there for its close.”
Ms Brewer added: “We hope our members and supporters will join us for this wonderful event as we honour a century of Gerry and celebrate the extraordinary conservation impact of the international charity he founded.”
More information on the event and tickets can be found on the Durrell website.