National treasure Sir David Attenborough has turned 100 years old. The broadcaster and writer won't be celebrating alone as events are being held to celebrate his legacy across the country, including a 90-minute special event at London's Royal Albert Hall on his actual birthday, Friday, May 8. Holborn's independent Garden Cinema is also screening his 2020 documentary, and fans are heading to Trafalgar Square dressed as either an animal or Attenborough himself. There will also be a slate of new shows aired on the BBC, as well as some of his best-known broadcasts.
Who is David Attenborough's wife?
Sir David married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel in 1950, and they remained married until her death in 1997 at the age of 70 from a brain haemorrhage. Jane lived a private life and was known for her charity work for various causes. He never remarried after her death and spoke openly about the deep loss he felt. Having rushed back from working in New Zealand to be with her as she died, he returned to find her in a coma. In his memoir, Sir David wrote that a doctor told him to hold her hand, which she squeezed back. 'She gave my hand a squeeze,' he remembered. 'The focus of my life, the anchor had gone...now I was lost.' Sir David previously said that he threw himself into his work to recover from the loss, stating in a 2009 interview: 'I coped by working. It was the most fantastic luck that I was able to work.'
Does David Attenborough have any children?
Sir David and Jane had two children together, Robert and Susan. Robert followed in his father's scientific footsteps, becoming a senior lecturer in bioanthropology at the School of Archaeology and Anthropology at the Australian National University in Canberra. Susan is a former primary school headteacher but now works closely with her father. Both children prefer to stay out of the spotlight, choosing to keep their lives private.
Where does David Attenborough live?
Sir David considers his home in Richmond his most cherished spot, describing it as his 'favourite place on earth' in his feature-length film Oceans. Born in Isleworth, Middlesex, he spent his formative years on the campus of the University of Leicester, where his father served as headmaster. Today, he calls the affluent and picturesque Richmond his home. Nestled alongside the magnificent River Thames, the area is also home to the world-renowned Kew Gardens. The sweeping Richmond Park is a much-loved green space, where impressive herds of deer roam freely. According to Rightmove, homes in the area fetched an average price of £967,297 over the past year.
David Attenborough's 100 Years of Planet Earth airs Friday, May 8 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8.30pm.
