In a powerful address, the Prince of Wales has honoured the memory of the late Steve Irwin, the beloved 'wildlife warrior', while issuing a stark warning about the escalating threats of climate change.
A Legacy of Conservation
The annual Steve Irwin gala, taking place in Brisbane, serves as a pivotal fundraiser to continue the vital work of the legendary conservationist. Steve Irwin died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44, after a tragic encounter with a stingray while filming on the Great Barrier Reef.
Prince William recorded a special message to welcome guests to the event, which aims to 'honour the life and legacy of a true wildlife warrior, Steve Irwin'. He emphasised that Steve's life mission was to protect the planet's rich biodiversity, a dedication the gala continues to champion.
A Planet at a Tipping Point
The Prince did not shy away from addressing the pressing environmental crisis. 'Today, over 8 billion people share Earth with a vast array of fauna, flora, and precious ecosystems,' he stated. He warned that we are approaching a defining moment as temperatures climb, species face extinction, water sources dwindle, and waste piles up.
'These tipping points could reshape life on Earth unless we take collective action now,' William asserted, framing the current situation as a critical juncture for global conservation efforts. He noted that Irwin had advocated tirelessly for wildlife and wild places, dreaming of a healthy planet for future generations.
Family Ties and Earthshot Ambitions
The Prince went on to praise the Irwin family for their unwavering commitment to continuing Steve's mission. He expressed his delight that Robert Irwin is an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, the organisation founded by William to find and scale innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
In a lighter moment, William even acknowledged Robert's recent victory on 'Dancing with the Stars', a title his sister Bindi also won a decade prior. 'We couldn't have asked for a more passionate and committed ambassador in Robert, and he's not a bad dancer either. That clearly runs in the family too,' the Prince remarked.
The royal bond appears strong, evidenced by a personal good-luck video call William made to Robert earlier this month. This connection was forged last year during the Prince's visit to South Africa for the Earthshot Prize awards, where he and Robert spent a day together climbing Signal Hill in Cape Town.
During that outing, surrounded by park rangers and conservation volunteers, they discussed the region's unique flora and fauna. When Robert asked the Prince for his favourite African animal, William, after some deliberation, chose the cheetah, while Robert professed his love for the chameleon.
Reflecting on the experience, Robert Irwin said, 'You can instantly tell that passion the rangers and volunteers have here... You just can't help but fall in love with this place.' He added that the conservation work being done filled his heart with hope for the future.
