Inside Prince William and Robert Irwin's friendship as royal makes Dancing With The Stars appearance
William and Robert got to know each other last year in South AfricaPrince William made a surprise appearance on Dancing with the Stars recently to show his support for Robert Irwin.
Robert, son of the late, legendary conservationist and TV personality Steve Irwin, is currently competing on the hit US version of British show Strictly Come Dancing.
Prince William sends his support to Robert Irwin on Dancing with the Stars
During Tuesday’s edition of Dancing with the Stars, Robert, 21, received a message of support from the Prince of Wales.
In a video, during preparation for his foxtrot with pro dance partner Witney Carson, William wished the star the “best of luck”.
William and Robert have developed a close bond after the prince named the 21-year-old an ambassador for The Earthshot Prize last year.
“While your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need him down here. Witney, I need you to get him in as much glitter as you can,” William said in the video message.
“Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it, so the best of luck on the show,” he then added.
Robert was blown away by the message, admitting it meant “the absolute world” to him.
“We are doing this dance for Bindi [his sister] and we are doing this dance for Prince William,” he said. “So let’s not mess this up.”
Robert Irwin and Prince William’s bond
William and Robert joined forces a few years ago, during a video interview in 2021 hosted by Australia Zoo.
They discussed conservation, climate change and The Earth Shot Prize. The Earthshot Prize is an initiative launched by William in 2020. It aims to “mobilise a decade of environmental action to repair the planet”.
Meanwhile, after a meeting in South Africa last year, Robert gushed over their bond during an interview with US Weekly.
He said: “I think Prince William has been such an amazing person to work with, and there is such an incredible synergy between what he does and who he is and who we are.”
“He is a true environmental hero, and so working with him has been a great privilege. We’ve definitely compared a lot of notes. And plus, he’s just a great guy. When you have a conversation with him, he’s the most lovely, intelligent person to talk to and is just so easy-going, so much fun. And I love working with him. He’s a really, really, really good guy,” he added.
Tuesday wasn’t the first time William made a surprise cameo on a show Robert was doing.
Back in June, William left Robert a special message during the star’s appearance on BBC Radio 2.
Robert on ‘awesome’ William
“I know you’ve got the fantastic Robert Irwin on the show this morning, a brilliant ambassador for The Earthshot Prize,” William said in the message.
The prince then went on to warn that Robert likes to “pull random terrifying animals and creatures out of his pockets while he’s on anyone’s show”.
I think Prince William has been such an amazing person to work with.
On their friendship, Robert said: “I talk to him about animals, and he is on it. He knows exactly what’s going on. In most conversations I have with His Royal Highness, I learn something. I really do.
“It’s this genuine sense of passion. I love that passion. Like that’s what I seek. I seek out people that feel like kindred spirits, you know? So it’s really awesome. Really is.”
Read more: Prince William ‘honoured’ as he joins King Charles at Windsor Castle for Remembrance reception
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