Prince William has led birthday messages for Sir David Attenborough as the legendary broadcaster and natural historian celebrates his 100th birthday today. The milestone occasion will be marked with a live 90-minute special on BBC One this evening, hosted by Kirsty Young, reflecting on his stellar career and life.
A Century of Inspiration
Sir David, who began his television career presenting Zoo Quest in 1954, went on to host groundbreaking nature documentaries such as Planet Earth and The Blue Planet. To kick off the birthday greetings on Friday, 8 May, Prince William—who collaborated with Sir David on the Earthshot Prize, an environmental award launched in 2021—shared a video message via the Earthshot Prize social media accounts.
"Happy 100th David. I cannot believe it's your 100th birthday. Thank you so much for all your support with Earthshot Prize," Prince William said. "Everything you do continues to inspire me. Have a very happy day."
The video also featured conservationist Robert Irwin, a global ambassador of the prize and son of the late Steve Irwin, who added: "Happy 100th birthday Sir David Attenborough. Thank you so much for inspiring me and generations to have a deeper understanding and connection to what's more important: our beautiful natural world." Other figures associated with the award, including Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres, Japanese former astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, Ingka CEO Jesper Brodin, and Earthshot winner Meaghan Brosnan, also sent their wishes.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
Earlier in the week, fellow presenters and colleagues paid tribute. Chris Packham, who will feature in tonight's live event, said: "He is the greatest living broadcaster and has been the greatest ambassador for life on Earth the planet has and will ever see. And, equally importantly, he's a nice bloke, an enthusiast, a passionate naturalist and a clever and considered communicator. And we love him because we trust him because he's always told us the truth as we know it. And what a legacy that is!"
Sir Ian McKellan recalled knowing Sir David through his brother, actor Richard Attenborough. "I think he sums up what was best about the BBC, throughout my life, and still today, serious programmes made for a popular audience," Sir Ian said. "And his ability to communicate his own enthusiasms are very precious and he's brought such joy to so many people."
Composer Hans Zimmer, who scored Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, told BBC Breakfast that Hollywood directors envy the scenes in Sir David's documentaries, calling them "basically the greatest car chase ever filmed." He added: "You can do movies that tell great stories and are enjoyed by millions of people, but none of it is as important as working for David Attenborough because that is really about the existence of our planet. David, I wish another 100 years for you, just for starters."
Sir David's Own Words
Ahead of his birthday, Sir David thanked fans for their messages. "I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas," he said. "I wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow a very happy day."
His colleague and friend Alastair Fothergill, who worked on The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, revealed that Sir David "hates celebrity" and would prefer to spend the milestone at home. "David would love nothing to be happening around his 100th birthday. That would be his favourite choice. He would like to be at home all day, nice glass of wine in the evening. However, he recognises that the British public want to say happy birthday to him and I think he'll go home happy."
