Sir David Attenborough was hailed for a 'lifetime of extraordinary service' as he 'revealed the beauty and wonders of nature to audiences around the world' at a special event marking the naturalist's 100th birthday. The veteran broadcaster was serenaded by the audience at the Royal Albert Hall during a tribute concert that featured music from his programmes, along with stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.
Royal Tributes
The event, titled 'David Attenborough’s 100 Years on Planet Earth', included a special message from King Charles, who was assisted by clever animals in delivering a handwritten note to Sir David. In the note, the King recounted a seven-decade friendship that began when the then nine-year-old Prince Charles visited the set of the BBC children’s programme Zoo Quest in 1958 with his sister Princess Anne. The King wrote: 'Over those decades you have revealed the beauty and wonders of nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways. In so doing you have shared my determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious planet of ours and all life on Earth for future generations.' The Prince of Wales, seated next to Sir David in a box at the concert, praised his 'boundless curiosity, gentle wisdom and unwavering dedication'. William said: 'David, for decades, your voice has been a constant in our lives, guiding us through rainforests and oceans, over mountains and into the very fabric of life.'
Fellow Broadcasters Pay Tribute
Broadcasters Sir Michael Palin, Chris Packham, Steve Backshall and Liz Bonnin were among the stars sharing anecdotes about Sir David on stage. Speaking before the event, Sir Michael Palin said: 'David, I think, is the most influential person in my life. Not just because of his programmes, and the nature of his programmes, and the messages he sends out about the state of the world, but the way he does it. He’s just a marvellous presenter.' Sir Michael praised his 'humility, sense of the absurd, sense of humour', adding: 'He’s a remarkable, remarkable man.'
Musical Performances and Celebrity Messages
The celebration, hosted by Kirsty Young, featured Dan Smith, frontman of Bastille, with the BBC Concert Orchestra performing their track Pompeii, which was featured in Planet Earth III. The event began with wooden puppets of animals being led into the arena as the orchestra scored a compilation of highlights from the presenter’s career. Birthday messages came from a host of famous faces, including Dame Judi Dench, Olivia Colman, Kate Winslet, Chris Martin, Raye, and even Paddington Bear. Dame Judi said: 'Thank you for all the things you’ve told us, and you’ve taught us.' Leonardo DiCaprio thanked Sir David for his work to preserve 'our very precious planet and all of its inhabitants'. The event also showed footage of Sir David recording his narration for the upcoming series Blue Planet III earlier this week, which will air in the autumn.
The audience in the Royal Albert Hall all sang happy birthday at the conclusion of the event, before the final word went to the 100-year-old presenter, who read the words to Louis Armstrong’s song What A Wonderful World over footage of wildlife in a pre-recorded clip.
