Prince William Shares How David Attenborough Inspires George, Charlotte and Louis in Personal Speech

The Prince of Wales led the tributes to broadcasting icon Sir David at a special concert held in his honor on May 8

Sir David Attenborough; Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince Louis.Credit : David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty or Apple; Isabel Infantes-WPA Pool/Getty

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Prince William is leading the appreciations for the iconic broadcaster Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday
The chronicler of the natural world was celebrated at a special evening at London’s Royal Albert Hall
The event, broadcast by the BBC, saw the Prince of Wales make his tribute from the stage

To Prince William, Sir David Attenborough is a “guiding light” who has shaped his children’s understanding of the planet and inspired “their belief that it is something worth fighting for.”

The Prince of Wales made a heartfelt speech, appreciating the broadcasting icon’s impact for both his craft and the planet he has reported on for decades and said he was an inspiration for kids, including William and Kate Middleton’s trio, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8.

As Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday on May 8, he was celebrated at a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Speaking on stage, Prince William, 44, heralded the “rare privilege” in celebrating a “century of life” and praised Attenborough for transforming “the way we see the only home that we have – Planet Earth.”

Echoing a philosophy of William’s own Earthshot Prize, which Attenborough supports, the royal said the chronicler of the natural world had a “sense of urgent optimism that has made all the difference” and that he has “given us belief that positive change is still possible.”

Sir David Attenborough, Prince William and Kate Middleton in September 2019.PETER BYRNE/POOL/AFP via Getty

Prince William said, “Like millions across the world, my children have grown up with your incredible storytelling — a window into the wonders of nature that shaped their understanding of our planet, and their belief that it is something worth fighting.”

Nearly six years ago, the three children appeared in a video in which they asked Attenborough questions about nature.

“And for me personally, your friendship has been profound,” William continued. “You have strengthened my own determination to act. To work with those who are raising awareness of the challenges and building the solutions that drive meaningful change. Through your support in establishing The Earthshot Prize, we are now striving to turn your inspiration into action, to champion those solutions that are creating a more sustainable future for us all.”

Attenborough is one of the original Earthshot Prize council, helping to find and reward sustainable solutions for the environmental problems the planet faces.

Wishing him a very happy 100th birthday, Prince William summed up his legacy as “not only the films we treasure or the knowledge you have shared. It is the generations you have inspired. Generations who now look forward with determination and with optimism.”

Kate Middleton, Prince WIlliam and Sir David Attenborough on Oct. 17, 2021.Alberto Pezzali – WPA Pool/Getty

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“And so, as we celebrate you this evening, we also look to the future, one that carries your spirit forward. If there is a baton to be taken up, it is the one you have prepared us to carry.”

And he thanked Attenborough for his “wisdom, your kindness, your dedication, and for reminding us, always, of the wonder of the world we call home.”

Earlier, Prince William had led a celebration from his Earthshot Prize, appearing in a special video for the centaurian. Also in the film were former winners and finalists and supporters like Robert Irwin.

The royal family had added its voice via social media, while William’s brother, Prince Harry, wrote an appreciation essay for Time magazine. “He is an institutional pillar as essential to the national fabric as a cup of tea,” Harry wrote.

“When a man who has quite literally seen it all begins to describe the loss of the planet’s stability, he isn’t being provocative,” Harry added. “He is reporting from the front lines of a planet he has known longer, and more intimately, than almost anyone alive.”