Prince William has shared a surprise tribute to the late Aussie legend Steve Irwin.
The royal, 43, opened the 2025 Steve Irwin Gala in Brisbane with a video message about the importance of environmental sustainability.
“Steve’s mission in life was to safeguard life on our planet, and tonight’s event is all about carrying forward that dedication to conservation and the natural world,” the Prince of Wales said.
Watch the video above
Prince William shared a surprise tribute to the late Steve Irwin (Instagram/@wildlifewarriorsworldwide)
“He advocated for wildlife and wild places across the globe, dreamed of clean air, abundant, healthy oceans, and a stable climate for the future generations.
He added, “Today his family continue this work towards these critical goals,” speaking about his friend and Steve’s son, Robert Irwin.
“I’m delighted that Robert is an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, the organisation I founded to spotlight and champion the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges,” William said of the 21-year-old.
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Steve Irwin ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ at the 2004 Logie Awards. (Ryan Pierse /Getty)
Prince William, Prince of Wales talks to Robert Irwin during his visit at Signal Hill on November 05, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
“We couldn’t have asked for a more passionate and committed ambassador in Robert, and he’s not a bad dancer either, that clearly runs in the family too,” the royal joked about Robert’s winning run on Dancing With The Stars US.
The dad-of-three highlighted the importance of both his and the Irwin’s organisation’s missions.
”Both the Earshot Prize and Wildlife Warriors share a powerful mission to protect and restore our planet and give hope for the next generation.
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“We recognise the importance of collaboration, innovation, and action to create a brighter future.
“By supporting these vital efforts and working collectively, we can all play a part in creating lasting positive change for the planet.
“Never before has it been so important for every single one of us to make environmentally conscious decisions and prioritise our natural world to be wildlife warriors.”
Robert was two when his dad died. (Getty)
William drew parallels between Earthshot and Wildlife Warrioirs. (Nine)
William and Robert’s unlikely friendship blossomed since the conservationist first joined as an Earthshot Prize ambassador in 2023.
Since then they have had many interactions, with William sharing another video message with the Wildlife warrior during rehearsals for Dancing With The Stars.
A few weeks ago, Robert revealed that he would have been in Brazil to present Prince William’s prize if he had been cut from the show.
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Robert Irwin won DWTS (Disney via Getty Images)
Soon after, the Wildlife Warrior received a video call from the future King of England himself.
“Oh my goodness!! How are you?” Robert said as his partner Witney looked shocked at the person on the other end of the line.
Robert asked William about how things were in Rio de Janeiro, to which the 43-year-old said, “Going really well. The finalists this year are really gonna go on and save the world, we’re missing you Robert.
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Prince William’s best moments
William said, “Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here!” (Getty)
“Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here!” he cheekily said.
Before the royal signed off, he made a request of Witney.
“Witney, you need to get him in as much glitter as you can,” he joked.
“Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning this, so just the best of luck on the show.”
After Robert won the Mirrorball trophy last week, both William and his wife Catherine, Princess of Wales, congratulated him with a message on social media reading, “Congratulations Robert and Witney! ✨🪩.”
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