Royal and celebrity tributes mark Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Sir David Beckham lead a wave of celebrations honouring Sir David Attenborough
The King and Queen, and Sir David Beckham, have led birthday tributes celebrating Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
The milestone on Friday came after a week of birthday messages poured in for the beloved environmentalist.
Charles and Camilla shared a carousel of photographs of Sir David on the official royal family Instagram account.
The caption read: “Wishing Sir David Attenborough a very happy 100th birthday.
“Enjoy your special celebration this evening!”
Former England footballer Sir David also marked the environmentalist’s big day with a post on his Instagram account with the caption: “Happy 100th Birthday to our National Treasure.”
A number of stars, including Morgan Freeman, Dame Judi Dench and Spice Girl Geri Halliwell-Horner, have joined in the celebration and teamed up with conservation charity WWF, lending their voice for a moving birthday tribute.
Halliwell-Horner also paid tribute to the environmentalist and said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired me through his storytelling and passion. He’s inspired and shaped the way myself and my children understand wildlife and nature.
“He inspired me to slow down, notice the world around me, and support efforts to protect our beautiful natural world.”
Butterfield added: “Sir David has inspired me for as long as I can remember, being a kid and watching all of his documentaries and just being like bug eyed in wonder at how incredible this place is that we’re living on – everything from the tiniest little bugs to the birds that we often take for granted – and the joy, peace and love that it can bring.”
Rheon said Sir David’s programmes were his “gateway into nature” and emphasised the need to look after the world.
It comes ahead of a live event at the Royal Albert Hall, which will feature music from the naturalist’s programmes along with stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world, to celebrate Sir David’s centenary.
Sir David said in a recorded audio message shared the night before his birthday that he was “completely overwhelmed” by the birthday greetings and that he thought it would be celebrated quietly.
Others paying tribute to Sir David included Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who previously said: “He is a true national treasure and a pioneer in his field – may his work continue to inspire people of all ages for years to come.”