Prince William’s unexpected US reality TV cameo in honour of Robert Irwin
The future king has delighted American television viewers with his very unexpected appearance – all in support of his famous Aussie pal.
IN LONDON
Prince William has made a surprise appearance on US reality show Dancing with the Stars in support of his famous Aussie pal, Robert Irwin.
Viewers were stunned to see the Prince of Wales pop up in a video chat with the conservationist and his dance partner, Witney Carson, ahead of their most recent performance, which was filmed while William was in Brazil for the Earthshot Prize award, his environmental initiative.
The prince told Irwin he missed him, calling him “twinkle toes” and telling him: “I need you down here!”
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Irwin was one of the celebrity ambassadors for the 2024 Earthshot Prize last year in September, and has stayed close with William ever since. He was supposed to be part of this year’s event but had to cancel due to his ongoing DWTS commitments.
In their video call, William told Irwin: “You guys have got a serious good chance of winning … best of luck on the show.”
After it ended, a visibly shocked Carson told her dance partner she “[couldn’t] believe he just said my name”, while Irwin joked that now they’d better “not mess this up”.
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It’s not the first time William has publicly supported his Aussie friend. In June, he surprised Irwin with a voice note during the latter’s appearance on UK radio station BBC Radio 2.
“I know you’ve got the fantastic Robert Irwin on the show this morning, a brilliant ambassador for the Earthshot Prize,” William said in his recording at the time.
During their trip to South Africa year, William also popped up on Irwin’s Instagram page for a joint video, much to the delight of the wildlife warrior’s fans.
“G’day, it’s Robert here, with, of course, Prince William,” Irwin began the selfie video.
“Lovely to see you. How are you enjoying South Africa so far?”
“Good thanks, really good, having a lovely time so far, loving it,” the prince responded.
“Robert, you’ve been a fantastic ambassador for us at the moment, so looking forward to the Prize on Wednesday – tune in!”
Irwin gushed that the event was “going to be amazing” before asking William: “We’re in South Africa, one of the most amazing countries and continents for wildlife – do you have a favourite African animal?”
The future King pointed out it was a “really tough question”, adding: “My children ask me this regularly. I think it’s going to have to be the cheetah.”
“Cheetahs, OK. Very cool. It’s chameleons for me, the unsung hero, I love them,” Irwin told him
“Thanks so much for having me, for having us, Earthshot Week has been amazing so far and I cannot wait for tomorrow night … South Africa rules!”
Originally published as Prince William’s unexpected US reality TV cameo in honour of Robert Irwin
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