Beloved environmentalist and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has been inundated with congratulations as he celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday, May 8, 2026. The centenary of the broadcaster, often hailed as a national treasure, will be marked with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall in London, featuring music from his iconic programmes alongside stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.
Overwhelmed by Birthday Messages
In the lead-up to the milestone, Sir David expressed being “completely overwhelmed” by the volume of birthday messages he received, thanking well-wishers “most sincerely.” In a recorded audio message shared the night before his birthday, he said: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from pre-school groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages. I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages. I wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow a very happy day.”
Tributes from Prime Minister and Public Figures
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those paying tribute to Sir David. He stated: “I would like to send my warmest wishes to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday. Like millions of people across the country and around the world, I grew up watching Sir David’s programmes. For decades, the nation has been captivated by his passion for nature and his remarkable contribution to public broadcasting. He is a true national treasure and a pioneer in his field – may his work continue to inspire people of all ages for years to come.”
Royal Albert Hall Celebration
The Royal Albert Hall celebration, which will be broadcast on BBC One, is hosted by Kirsty Young. The event includes performances from musicians who have featured on his BBC Planet Earth series. Dan Smith, frontman of Brit Award-winning band Bastille, will join the BBC Concert Orchestra to perform their track “Pompeii,” which was featured in Planet Earth III. Icelandic band Sigur Rós will play “Hoppipolla,” used in the promotion of Planet Earth and Planet Earth II. The BBC Concert Orchestra will perform scores from unforgettable moments in Sir David’s programmes, including the dramatic snakes and iguanas chase from Planet Earth II and the powerful wave-washing orcas sequence from Frozen Planet II. Additional musical performances include British singer Sienna Spiro and Paraguayan harpist Francisco Yglesias, who will play the traditional “Pájaro Campana,” a piece featured in Zoo Quest, Sir David’s first wildlife programme.
Other Birthday Events
Sir David’s birthday is marked by multiple events. The Natural History Museum’s immersive exhibition presented by Sir David will be transformed into a free five-minute show in central London. Titled Our Story With David Attenborough, it will be adapted for display at Outernet London in Tottenham Court Road from May 8, taking viewers through the history of people and Earth, and presenting a vision of London’s future.
Environmental and animal charities have also sent messages, and Peta has named a rescued bull after him. The bull, named Sir Attenbullock, was among the first rescued through Peta India’s Delhi mechanisation project.
Television Special
A special programme, David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth, will air on his birthday, May 8, at 8:30 PM on BBC One and iPlayer, celebrating his extraordinary life and contributions to nature broadcasting.
