Robert Irwin, the TV star and conservationist son of the late Steve Irwin, has opened up about his friendship with Prince William, describing the royal as a passionate environmentalist and a genuinely down-to-earth person.
Speaking on ITV's This Morning on Wednesday, June 24, Irwin discussed his role as an ambassador for Prince William's Earthshot Prize, a global initiative that awards solutions to environmental challenges. Presenter Ben Shephard noted that Irwin had "become best mates with our future king."
Working Together on the Earthshot Prize
Irwin explained that his collaboration with Prince William began through the Earthshot Prize, which he described as "an amazing global initiative to award the biggest and brightest solutions in environmental issues." He added, "It's about looking at conservation and all of these big challenges through the lens of optimism, urgent optimism."
Irwin praised the prince's dedication, saying, "He is a passionate individual. When I am around other people who share that passion for conservation, it gets me so excited. He truly is, I think, one of the greatest environmentalists that we have on the planet. He's amazing."
A Surprise FaceTime Call During Rehearsals
Irwin shared a personal anecdote illustrating the prince's character. While participating in Dancing with the Stars in America, Irwin received an unexpected FaceTime call from Prince William. "I was doing Dancing with the Stars in America, bringing the conservation mission to a very different audience. He FaceTimed me in rehearsals with my dance partner just to wish me well on all the dancing. He is just... I had no idea it was happening," Irwin recounted.
"They sit me down, and they go, 'Apparently, there's a really important call coming through.' And there he is on the laptop. There's Prince William. And I'm just like, 'Oh, hey, mate. Thank you so much. This is awesome.' So he is just a down-to-earth human being and someone who knows the importance of conservation reaching different audiences," Irwin continued.
Speed Dial and a Surprising Partnership
When Shephard asked if Irwin had the prince's number in his phone, Irwin quipped, "On speed dial." He admitted that joining forces with Prince William for the Earthshot Prize was unexpected, stating, "Joining forces with Prince William with the Earthshot Prize was not on my bingo card. But honestly, it is such a privilege."
Irwin's father, Steve Irwin, was a renowned conservationist and environmentalist who ran Australia Zoo. He died in 2006 at age 44 after a stingray barb pierced his chest while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef. Robert Irwin continues his father's legacy through his conservation work and his role with the Earthshot Prize.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
