Leonardo DiCaprio, David Beckham, and Morgan Freeman are among the celebrities who have wished Sir David Attenborough a happy 100th birthday on Friday. The beloved environmentalist has been inundated with messages from the King and Queen, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the Duke of Sussex, and stars including Dame Judi Dench, Geri Halliwell-Horner, and Bill Bailey.
Hollywood star DiCaprio called Sir David “one of the most enduring champions of our shared planet” in an Instagram post, hailing his “extraordinary legacy” and adding: “He has reshaped global awareness of conservation and reminded us, time and again, that protecting nature is not optional — it is fundamental to our future.” The actor and environmental advocate wrote: “Thank you, Sir David, for a lifetime dedicated to protecting our planet.”
Charles and Camilla posted photographs on the official royal family Instagram account, wishing him a “very happy 100th birthday”. Former England footballer David Beckham also marked the occasion, posting images of the naturalist and writing: “Happy 100th Birthday to our National Treasure.”
A number of celebrities, including Freeman, Dame Judi, and Halliwell-Horner, teamed up with conservation charity WWF for a moving birthday tribute video. The one-minute clip features a spoken word reinterpretation of the Louis Armstrong classic What A Wonderful World, with voices from Asa Butterfield, Miranda Richardson, Liz Bonnin, Sam Heughan, and Iwan Rheon.
Broadcaster Ben Fogle called Sir David “the most important teacher, guide, informer and communicator in my life”. Comedian Bill Bailey reminisced about the “extraordinary opportunity” to interview him, calling it “one of my greatest memories”. Sir Keir described him as a “true national treasure and a pioneer in his field”.
The tributes come ahead of a live event at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Kirsty Young and featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra. Sir David said in a recorded audio message that he was “completely overwhelmed” by the greetings. The Piccadilly Lights were taken over by BBC studios, and fans flocked to Outernet London to view a free show of Our Story With David Attenborough.
