Dr. Goodall Meets Queen Elizabeth II
On Monday, March 12, 2012, Dr. Jane Goodall gave a special address during the Commonwealth Observance Service at Westminster Abbey in London. The event honored the annual celebration of the British Commonwealth. This year’s theme was “connecting cultures.”
Dr. Goodall addressed heads of state and more than 1,000 school children during her speech. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and other members of the royal family were present to hear Jane’s message. Jane also filled the ordinarily formal Westminster Abbey with her signature chimpanzee pant-hoot. "It was connections between England and Kenya that first enabled me to achieve my childhood dream when I sailed from England in 1957. It was connections with Kenya and Tanzania that enabled me start my studies...that I continue today," Dr. Goodall said.
Following her speech, Dr. Goodall joined the royal family and other dignitaries at a private reception at Marlborough House to commemorate the day. In 2004, Dr. Goodall was named a Dame of the British Empire, the female equivalent of knighthood.
Interested in learning more? Check out some of the media coverage from the event:
Associated Press: Queen leads Commonwealth ceremony
Metro: We are stronger as one Commonwealth, Queen says
