National treasure and broadcaster David Attenborough turns 100 today and the birthday messages are rolling in – with Prince William leading the well wishes from his celebrity friends.
The Bafta-winning presenter’s milestone birthday will be celebrated tonight on BBC One, with host Kirsty Young reflecting on his stellar career and life in a live 90-minute special. Beginning his TV career presenting Zoo Quest in 1954, Sir David went on to host a series of groundbreaking nature documentaries – from Planet Earth to The Blue Planet.
Kicking off the birthday messages on Friday (8 May) was Prince William, who previously worked with Sir David on the Earthshot Prize – an environmental award the royal launched in 2021.
In a video posted to the Earthshot Prize social media accounts, Prince William said: “Happy 100th David. I cannot believe it’s your 100th birthday. Thank you so much for all your support with Earthshot Prize.”
“Everything you do continues to inspire me,” he added. “Have a very happy day.”
Prince William wasn’t the only star in the video – conservationist Robert Irwin, who is a global ambassador of the prize and the son of the late wildlife educator Steve, also wished Sir David a happy birthday.
“Happy 100th birthday Sir David Attenborough,” the 22-year-old Australian said. “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.”
The clip also featured messages from other figures associated with the award, including Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres, Japanese former astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, Ingka CEO Jesper Brodin, Earthshot winner Meaghan Brosnan and others.
Earlier in the week, Sir David’s colleagues and fellow presenters – including Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, who’ll feature in tonight’s live event – paid tribute to the veteran broadcaster.
“He is the greatest living broadcaster and has been the greatest ambassador for life on Earth the planet has and will ever see,” Packham said of Sir David. “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!”
Happy 100th Birthday to our very first Prize Council Member, Sir David Attenborough.
You’ve inspired generations to turn hope into action for our planet.
From all of us at The Earthshot Prize, thank you for igniting a movement of planet protectors. pic.twitter.com/fdURSLUh7q
Meanwhile, Sir Ian McKellan said that he first knew of Sir David through his brother, actor and Jurassic Park star 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. And I think, along with a lot of people, my favourite television programmes are probably natural history.”
Hans Zimmer, who composed the music for Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II, told BBC Breakfast on Thursday (7 May) that Hollywood directors are envious of the scenes in Sir David’s documentaries as they’re “basically the greatest car chase ever filmed”.
“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,” he said. “David, I wish another 100 years for you, just for starters, because I have a feeling we are all just getting going. We need you for another 100 years.”
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 2001’s The Blue Planet, 2006’s Planet Earth and more recently, David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, revealed that Sir David “hates celebrity” and would rather spend the milestone event at home.
When asked what Sir David thinks about celebrating his birthday with a party at the Royal Albert Hall, Fothergill continued: “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.”
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