The King has enlisted the help of various animals to deliver a handwritten birthday message to Sir David Attenborough, who celebrates his 100th birthday on May 8. In a short film premiered at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday night, Charles is seen writing the note at his desk in Balmoral Castle, accompanied by the Queen's dog Moley.
The film, titled 'A Very Special Delivery' and produced by BBC Studios' Natural History Unit, follows the note's journey across the UK as it is transported by a series of creatures including an eagle, a fox, a red squirrel, and an otter. The animals overcome obstacles such as a fallen tree to ensure the message reaches its destination.
In the note, the King recalls a friendship spanning more than six decades, beginning when the then nine-year-old Prince Charles visited the set of BBC's 'Zoo Quest' in 1958 with his sister Princess Anne. Charles writes of Attenborough's work in revealing the beauty of nature and shares his determination to protect the planet.
The envelope is finally delivered through the letterbox of Sir David's London home by a barn owl named Lily, and the naturalist receives it during the live tribute at the Royal Albert Hall. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was delighted to take part and followed the filming process with great interest.
