Queen Elizabeth II Reminds World She Met Desmond Tutu Amid Harry, Meghan Outpouring

Queen Elizabeth II has said she is "deeply saddened" over the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu aged 90.

The 95-year-old monarch reminded the world of her meetings with the human rights champion as social media filled with pictures of the South African with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduced son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor to the archbishop during their tour of Africa in 2019.

They also released a statement describing him as an "icon for racial justice" and saying he "remained a friend."

In a statement signed "Elizabeth R," the Queen 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."

Elizabeth met Tutu at Buckingham Palace on November 20, 2013, and also presented him with a medal on June 4, 1999.

Harry and Meghan's statement read: "Archbishop Desmond Tutu will be remembered for his optimism, his moral clarity, and his joyful spirit. He was an icon for racial justice and beloved across the world.

"It was only two years ago that he held our son, Archie, while we were in South Africa—'Arch and The Arch' he had joked, his infectious laughter ringing through the room, relaxing anyone in his presence.

"He remained a friend and will be sorely missed by all."

Tutu died on Boxing Day at the Oasis Frail Care Center, in Cape Town, and his funeral will be held on January 1.

Prominent Harry and Meghan fan account Royal Suitor wrote: "#HarryAndMeghan introduced Archie to the Archbishop during their 2019 tour."

She added: "#HarryAndMeghan understood the historical significance of that meeting with #DesmondTutu even then."

Royal author Robert Jobson was among those to share the memory of Harry and Meghan's 2019 introduction to the Archbishop.

He wrote on Twitter: "RIP Desmond Tutu. The freedom fighter was formerly the Most Reverend Archbishop of Cape Town and Nobel Peace Prize winner. He was 90.

"I took this photo of @TheDesmondTutu with Prince Harry, Meghan & Archie in Cape Town in Sept 2019."

ITV royal correspondent Chris Ship wrote: "Sad to hear of the death of the giant of the anti-apartheid movement Archbishop Desmond Tutu—at age 90.

"We remember those images of him with Harry, Meghan and Archie in 2019—a highlight of their royal tour of South Africa."