PRINCE William has hailed David Attenborough for being “a constant in our lives” as the broadcaster is honoured at his 100th birthday celebration.
In a touching speech at the Royal Albert Hall, William said the beloved presenter had been a “guiding light”.
Wills thanked Sir David for their own friendship and said “my children have grown up with your incredible storytelling”.
He told the crowd: “David, for decades, your voice has been a constant in our lives, guiding us through rainforests and oceans, over mountains and into the very fabric of life.
“Through your boundless curiosity, gentle wisdom, and unwavering dedication, you have opened our eyes to the beauty of our planet, and to its fragility, reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect it.
The Prince said “You have been a guiding light in the work we now undertake to safeguard the natural world. Long before many of us found our voice on the challenges we face, you were speaking with clarity, urgency, and optimism.”
He continued: “Tonight, we celebrate far more than a remarkable milestone of one hundred years.
“We celebrate a lifetime of extraordinary service. A life that has brought the natural world closer to humanity, and humanity closer to its responsibility to the natural world.
William finished his speech: “Sir David, thank you for your wisdom, your kindness, your dedication, and for reminding us, always, of the wonder of the world we call home.
“A very happy 100th birthday.”
The royals honoured the BBC naturalist’s centenary with a party tonight, including a four-minute video created by Buckingham Palace and BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit.
The clip portrayed a relay journey of the King’s 100th birthday card and handwritten congratulatory message from Balmoral Castle to London in time for his big day.
The handwritten card’s journey is initially thwarted by a fallen tree only to be rescued by an eagle, a fox, a red squirrel and an otter who traverse the British Isles to ensure Sir David receives his Royal dispatch.
To a tune from The King’s Piper, the film began with Charles penning his tribute to Sir David in the Library of Balmoral Castle, with the Queen’s Jack Russell Terrier cross, Moley, running around his desk.
The King recounted a seven-decade friendship with Sir David, which began when he was nine-years-old on the set of the BBC children’s programme Zoo Quest in 1958 with his sister Princess Anne.
Charles spoke of the impact Sir David has had on saving the planet before the card is carried by a butler called Tony on a silver salver to a waiting Land Rover.
To the tune of Take That’s Greatest Day a menagerie of animals led by border collie Flynn take turns to carry the card from Scotland to London.
At one stage it becomes wedged in the spines of a hedgehog.
It is finally delivered through Sir David’s letterbox by a barn own called Lilly.
The full list of animals include a border collie, eagles, a hedgehog, a red squirrel, a flock of geese, an otter, a swan, a duck, a fox, a deer, and finally, a barn owl.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty was delighted to feature in this special tribute to a man who has shared his lifetime commitment to the natural world, and has followed each stage of the filming process with great interest.
“He was only sorry not to meet Lily the magical barn owl in person.
“Her Majesty was particularly touched that her mischievous Moley was invited to make a cameo appearance and was on hand with a ready selection of dog treats to help coax a willing performance on the day.
“The King and Queen send their warmest wishes to Sir David on his special night and hope he enjoys the resulting film as much as they enjoyed making it.”
It is tradition for the monarch to issue telegrams or birthday cards to 100-year-olds.
In the card, Charles wrote: “My wife and I are delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your one hundredth birthday on May 8th and wanted to send you our warmest congratulations on such a special occasion.
“It is amazing to think that you and I have known one another for more than 60 years; indeed, I believe we first met in 1958, almost a decade before the age of colour television, and of course our paths have crossed many times since.
“Over those decades you have revealed the beauty and wonders of Nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways.
“In so doing, you have shared my determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious planet of ours – and all Life on Earth – for future generations.
“Thank you, then, for all that you have done. And on behalf of the whole nation, I wish you a very happy 100th birthday. Charles R.”
