Robert Irwin’s raw confession: ‘All I’ve ever wanted’

The teenage Wildlife Warrior has spoken candidly about his life and his relationship with his late dad, Steve Irwin.

Robert Irwin has spoken candidly about his desire to step out from his famous late father’s large shadow – while still honouring his life’s work.

The 19-year-old star is undoubtedly on the rise at the moment – he’s just returned from a high-profile presenting gig alongside Prince William in Singapore, he’s been named as the new I’m A Celebrity co-host and is generating plenty of headlines with his red carpet appearances alongside girlfriend Rorie Buckey.

Speaking to The Courier Mail on Saturday, Steve Irwin’s son explained that – along with conservation – his greatest passion is photography.

Robert Irwin has opened up about his photography. Picture: Supplied

Robert with his late dad, Steve Irwin. Picture: Supplied

In fact, Robert’s first photography book, Robert Irwin’s Australia, was released last year to critical acclaim. He’s also received several wildlife photography awards and has his images used in Australian Geographic magazine.

“You know, all my life all I’ve ever wanted was to be exactly like Dad, but also to find my own place in his world,” Robert told The Courier Mail.

“I was just itching to find that place and photography gave me that. But it also gave me a connection to Dad, and a purpose.

“How do I use these images to push Dad’s legacy of wildlife protection? Because everything he did, everything he recorded, everything he documented, well, it kind of stopped, and it stopped abruptly, which is what happens when someone dies unexpectedly. And this is one of my ways of continuing his work.”

Robert – who began taking photographs as a child and received his first digital camera for his 10th birthday – also admitted that he’s his own harshest critic.

“I wanted to do [a book] for a long time, but I knew I didn’t have enough imagery,” Robert said.

“For every 10,000 images I take there is maybe one or two I like. No one is more critical of my photos than me. I wanted to tell a story of Australia and its landscapes and wildlife and all the challenges it faces through photos, and I knew that if I wanted to tell it properly, those photos had better be good.”

Robert chatted with Prince William at the Earthshot Prize Awards. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Robert’s candid interview comes just days after he and Buckey hit the green carpet alongside Prince William at the annual Earthshot Prize Awards, held this year in Singapore.

The high-profile conservationist – who was one of the presenters of the evening – was spotted smiling and chatting with the future King ahead of the ceremony.

Robert shared a series of photos of he and his girlfriend on Instagram afterwards, describing it as an “unforgettable night”.

“What an unforgettable night presenting at the @earthshotprize awards in Singapore,” he began in the caption.

“Thank you to His Royal Highness Prince William for having @roriebuckey and I, and a big thanks to the incredible team, fellow presenters and hosts. “A night of hope for the future of our environment".️