The Prince of Wales has shared a message to David Attenborough to mark his 99th birthday today.
In addition to sharing his birthday wishes, Prince William told his X followers how the naturalist has offered him a ‘sense of hope and optimism’ in protecting the planet.
The message read, ‘As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time those beneath the ocean.
‘He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet.
‘However hard hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost and this film is no different.’
The post, which included a sweet snap of the pair together, concluded, ‘We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans. Happy Birthday, David. W’
William has repeatedly revealed his admiration for David, and recently called him an inspiration to ‘my children and me’.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, William hailed the naturalist’s ‘lifetime of extraordinary service to our planet’.
The Prince of Wales has shared a heartfelt birthday post to David Attenborough to mark his 99th birthday today
He said: ‘May we all raise a glass to a true giant – and continue the mission he has led with such grace and urgency.’
In Sir David’s new documentary, Ocean, which airs in cinemas today – his birthday – he reflects on his mortality and what he has learnt from a lifetime studying the Earth, saying: ‘After living for nearly 100 years, I now understand that if we save the sea we save our world.’
Sir David is closely involved in William’s Earthshot Prize, which gives £1 million every year to five projects tackling climate challenges.
He has also worked with King Charles on numerous environmental causes.
William added: ‘We celebrate not just a milestone of years, but a lifetime of extraordinary service to our planet.
‘Through his boundless curiosity, gentle wisdom and unwavering commitment… he has brought the wonders of Earth into our homes and into our hearts.
‘His voice has become a guiding light in our understanding of nature, and his message – that we must cherish and protect our planet – has never been more vital.
‘He has inspired my children and me in so many ways.’
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Prince William hailed the naturalist’s ‘lifetime of extraordinary service to our planet’
He said: ‘May we all raise a glass to a true giant – and continue the mission he has led with such grace and urgency’
In Sir David’s new documentary, Ocean, which airs in cinemas on Thursday – his birthday – he reflects on his mortality and what he has learnt from a lifetime studying the Earth, saying: ‘After living for nearly 100 years, I now understand that if we save the sea we save our world’
Prince George and siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis put wildlife questions to Sir David in an interview filmed by their parents and released on social media – to one question about his favourite animals, Sir David replied ‘I think I like monkeys best’
It was the response of his son Prince George to one of Sir David’s shows on extinction that inspired William to act on climate change.
The then seven-year-old told his father: ‘I don’t want to watch any more – why has it come to this?’
Later that year, Prince George and siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis put wildlife questions to Sir David in an interview filmed by their parents and released on social media.
Sir David’s new film focuses on the industrial fishing method of bottom trawling which, he says, is ‘draining the life from our oceans’.
He added: ‘When I first saw the sea as a boy, it was thought of as a vast wilderness to be tamed and mastered for the benefit of humanity. Now, as I approach the end of my life, we know the opposite is true.
‘After living for nearly 100 years, I now understand that if we save the sea we save our world.’
Sir David is expected to make a rare public appearance at the London premiere of the documentary.
