The Prince of Wales has shown his support for Robert Irwin, the ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, ahead of Irwin’s much-anticipated appearance on the U.S. version of Dancing With The Stars. This special episode celebrated Irwin’s 20th birthday and aired on Tuesday night, featuring Prince William among various distinguished guests who joined in the festivities.
In a pre-recorded Zoom call, Prince William interacted with both Irwin and his dance partner, Witney Carson, before the performance. At just 21 years old and the son of the legendary wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin missed this year’s Earthshot awards ceremony due to his commitment to the dance competition. Nevertheless, he made a lasting impression on the show, achieving a perfect score for his heartfelt Foxtrot dance, which he dedicated to his father, symbolizing a poignant tribute to his family legacy.
Prince William recently asserted the crucial role of the younger generation of environmentalists during the Earthshot awards. Now entering its fifth year, the event honors groundbreaking solutions designed to “repair” our planet, with each of the five winners receiving a grant of one million pounds (approximately $2 million AUD) to advance their environmental initiatives.
This celebration harmonizes with a larger movement focused on environmental consciousness led by prominent figures like David Attenborough. His latest film, “Ocean,” along with his advocacy for marine conservation echoes themes similar to those championed by the Earthshot Prize. Irwin’s participation in Dancing With The Stars not only highlights his dancing skills but also serves as an important reminder of the power of environmental advocacy, illustrating how young leaders can motivate collective action for ecological protection.
This blend of entertainment and environmentalism fosters optimism and stimulates ongoing discussions regarding climate challenges and the critical need to safeguard our natural environment. Such efforts to integrate public engagements with important environmental messages cultivate a positive narrative around conservation, especially among younger audiences.