Sir David Attenborough said he has been “completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings” as he thanked well-wishers “most sincerely” ahead of his centenary on Friday.
The beloved naturalist said he had hoped to celebrate his 100th birthday “quietly.”
Instead, the milestone will be marked with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall featuring music from his programmes, as well as stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.
In a recorded audio message shared the night before his birthday, he said: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.”
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He continued: “I’ve 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 all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages.
“I wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow a very happy day.”
The Royal Albert Hall celebration, which will be broadcast on BBC One, is just one of many events to mark his birthday.
David Attenborough turns 100 on Friday
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GETTYThe Natural History Museum’s immersive exhibition presented by Sir David will be transformed into a free five-minute show in central London to celebrate the landmark.
Our Story With David Attenborough will be adapted to be shown at Outernet London in Tottenham Court Road from Sir David’s birthday on May 8, and will see the veteran BBC nature presenter take viewers through the history of people and the Earth, before presenting a vision of London’s future.
The broadcaster has been inundated with messages and well-wishes from environmental and animal charities and has also had a “wise” bull named after him by animal charity Peta to celebrate his birthday.
The bull, named Sir Attenbullock, was among the first rescued through Peta India’s Delhi mechanisation project.
David Attenborough has been ‘overwhelmed’ by messages
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Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the natural historian and writer throughout the day.
One penned on X: “The phrase national treasure gets overused, often for mundane types but for Sir David Attenborough it is perfect.
“Indeed, we must treasure him while we have him here. So, to Sir David, a warm 100th birthday.”
Another user wrote: “Sir David Attenborough turns 100 tomorrow. A great legend in Great Britain and the World.”
“I’m not much of a nature enthusiast but in a world of discord and thread, thank god for the like of the great David Attenborough. Happy 100th,” another wrote.
Someone else added: “HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY DAVID ATTENBOROUGH!!!” (sic)