The Prince of Wales extended his support to Robert Irwin, an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, ahead of Irwin’s highly anticipated performance on the U.S. version of Dancing With The Stars. This special 20th birthday episode aired on Tuesday night, where Prince William was among several notable guests contributing to the celebration.
A pre-recorded Zoom call showcased William interacting with Irwin and his dance partner, Witney Carson, prior to their performance. The 21-year-old Irwin, who is the son of the late renowned wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, had to forego this year’s Earthshot awards ceremony due to his commitments to the dancing competition. However, he made a significant mark on the show by earning a perfect score for their Foxtrot dance, which he dedicated to his late father, evoking a heartfelt tribute to family legacy.
Prince William recently emphasized the vital contributions of the next generation of environmentalists at the Earthshot awards. This event, now in its fifth year, recognizes innovative solutions aimed at “repairing” our planet, with five winners each receiving a grant of one million pounds (approximately $2 million AUD) to further develop their environmental initiatives.
This celebration aligns seamlessly with a broader movement of environmental awareness and action spearheaded by figures like David Attenborough. His recent film, “Ocean,” and advocacy surrounding marine conservation resonate with similar themes highlighted by the Earthshot Prize. Irwin’s appearance on Dancing With The Stars not only showcases his dancing talents but serves as a reminder of the significance of environmental advocacy, underlining the impact of young leaders who inspire collective action.
This intersection of entertainment and environmentalism provides hope and encourages ongoing dialogue about climate challenges and the importance of protecting our natural world. The efforts to blend public engagements with significant environmental messages reinforce a positive narrative around conservation, especially among younger generations.