Prince Harry has paid a special tribute to David Attenborough ahead of the broadcasting legend’s 100th birthday tomorrow.
Sir David today said he has been “completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings” and thanked well-wishers “most sincerely” ahead of his centenary on Friday.
The beloved naturist said he hopes to celebrate his 100th birthday “quietly”.
The milestone will be marked, however, 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.
Additionally, the “inspirational” presenter has now received a touching tribute from the Duke of Sussex.
“Sir David Attenborough is more than a broadcaster; he is a secular saint,” Harry wrote in Time magazine this evening.
“He is an institutional pillar as essential to the national fabric as a cup of tea.
“His almost-whispers have been the soft soundtrack of the home—a shared experience that turned the weekend nature documentary into a national ritual.”
Prince Harry has paid a special tribute to David Attenborough ahead of the broadcasting legend’s 100th birthday tomorrow
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Harry said that Sir David “is the man who showed you the world through a uniquely spectacular lens” and “earned the world’s trust by simply showing us that our environment is worth appreciating.”
The prince lauded his “measured demeanour and lack of any conceivable agenda,” and described him as “a man who has quite literally seen it all”.
Concluding, Harry said Sir David “has spent a lifetime delivering us the facts with patience, honesty, and wonder,” before adding: “The question now is whether those with the power to act will choose to lead before more of our world—our life support system—is lost.”
The celebrated broadcaster has had a close relationship with the Royal Family over the years, not least with Harry’s brother, Prince William, with whom he shares a bond over genuine care for the climate.
The pair have been acquaintances for decades and supported each other in a myriad of initiatives.
Last summer, the royal and historian made an emotional plea together at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco to save the planet’s oceans.
When asked about the state of the world’s oceans by William on stage, Sir David responded: “The awful thing is that it’s hidden from you and me and most people.
“The thing which I am appalled by when I first saw the shots that were taken for this film is what we have done to the deep ocean floor, which is just unspeakably awful.”
Sir David is also said to share a close personal relationship with King Charles. The monarch joined the living legend last year for the premiere of his film Ocean with David Attenborough.
King Charles joined Sir David Attenborough last year for the premiere of his film, Ocean with David Attenborough
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The nationwide admiration for Sir David would lead people to believe his name could even be included in a dictionary definition of the term “national treasure”.
Fans online continued their trend of support for him on his centenary.
“The phrase national treasure gets overused, often for mundane types but for Sir David Attenborough it is perfect,” one user penned on X.
“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 threat, thank god for the like of the great David Attenborough. Happy 100th,” another wrote.
Someone else added: “HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY DAVID ATTENBOROUGH!!!”