Sir David Attenborough Receives Thunderous Standing Ovation As Prince William Leads Emotional 100th Birthday Tribute

Prince William applauded David Attenborough as he arrived at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate 100 Years On Planet Earth with a host of star-studded guests.

Celebrities gathered to ring in the legendary broadcaster’s birthday milestone with a special event, hosted by the BBC, in London.

Sir David was greeted by the Prince of Wales as he took his seat in the Royal box before the 90-minute live event got underway.

Stars such as Gillian Anderson as well as Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife joined the audience to mark the veteran broadcaster 100th birthday with even King Charles and Queen Camilla teaming up with the BBC to secretly film an extraordinary tribute, that was aired during the special.

Actress Gillian, 57, looked chic in a black dress for the special event as she posed for photos on the blue carpet

She teamed the A-line number with a pair of chunky heels and pulled her hair back into a high ponytail.

Prince William applauded David Attenborough as he arrived at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate 100 Years On Planet Earth with a host of star-studded guests

Celebrities gathered to ring in the legendary broadcaster’s birthday milestone with a special event, hosted by the BBC, in London

Joining Gillian, Benedict looked as smart as ever in a dark grey suit which he paired with a white shirt.

His wife Sophie looked stunning in a white textured dress and a pair of quirky, see-through heels.

They were joined at the event by the likes of Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, and Chris Packham.

Sir David said he had been ‘completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings’ as he thanked well wishers ‘most sincerely’ on his centenary.

In an audio message on Thursday, Mr Attenborough said: ‘I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.

‘I have been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from pre-school groups to care home residents, and countless individuals and families of all ages.

‘I simply can’t reply to each of you separately, but I’d like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events: Have a very happy day.’

According to the BBC, Friday evening’s celebrations will be the ‘climax of a week of special events and broadcast programming in honour of Sir David’.

Sir David was greeted by the Prince of Wales as he took his seat in the Royal box before the 90-minute live event got underway

Stars joined the audience to mark the veteran broadcaster 100th birthday with even King Charles and Queen Camilla teaming up with the BBC to secretly film an extraordinary tribute

According to the BBC, Friday evening’s celebrations will be the ‘climax of a week of special events and broadcast programming in honour of Sir David’

Actress Gillian Anderson, 57, looked chic in a black dress for the special event as she posed for photos on the blue carpet

Joining Gillian, Benedict looked as smart as ever in a dark grey suit which he paired with a white shirt

Benedict’s wife Sophie looked stunning in a white textured dress and a pair of quirky, see-through heels

They were joined at the event by the likes of Michael Palin

Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri stunned in a black beaded gown with mesh panels

Steve Backshall smiled for photos in a deep green blazer

George Clarke wore a white double breasted blazer for the event

Greg James opted for a navy blue velvet blazer

Elsewhere, Chris Packham added a Western touch to his ensemble with a bolo tie

Francisco Yglesia opted for a waistcoat and smart trousers

Zoologist Megan McCubbin wore a navy blue gown