Prince William and Princess Kate expressed their admiration for wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin after his victory on the popular show Dancing with the Stars. Irwin, aged 21, emerged as the champion of the show’s 34th season on November 25, 2023, outperforming competitors including social media influencer Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles in a closely contested finale.
The royal couple took to social media to congratulate Irwin and his professional partner, Witney Carson. Their message read, “Congratulations Robert and Witney!” followed by sparkling and disco ball emojis. Irwin triumphed despite competing with a rib injury, which Carson referenced in a video leading up to the final. She noted, “Robert’s ribs have been killing him, and more will be revealed on Tuesday,” hinting at the challenges they faced during the competition.
Royal Support and Environmental Advocacy
Earlier in the series, Prince William made a surprise appearance to support Irwin. The wildlife expert had been scheduled to attend the Earthshot Prize event in Rio de Janeiro, but had to forgo the opportunity due to his commitments to the dance competition. This initiative, which William launched, awards £1 million to projects aimed at improving environmental sustainability.
During his virtual appearance, William encouraged Irwin, saying, “Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here. You guys have gotten a seriously good chance of winning it, so just the best of luck with the show.”
The friendship between William and Irwin has flourished over the years, largely due to their shared commitment to environmental conservation. In an interview with Us Weekly in June, Irwin reflected positively on their relationship, stating, “I think Prince William has been such an amazing person to work with.” He emphasized the importance of their collaborative efforts in conservation, expressing admiration for William’s influential platform.
Continuing Commitment to Conservation
Their collaboration has included meaningful discussions related to biodiversity, as seen during last year’s Earthshot Prize ceremony in South Africa. The two met at Signal Hill, where they engaged with park rangers to address environmental issues. This meeting marked the beginning of a strong friendship focused on protecting the planet.
In a statement regarding the significance of the Earthshot Prize, Irwin mentioned it serves as a “beacon of hope for all of us who care about the environment.” He highlighted the crucial role of healthy oceans and ecosystems, stating, “Healthy oceans, ecosystems, and species equal a healthy planet.”
As Irwin continues to advocate for conservation, his recent victory on Dancing with the Stars has only amplified his visibility and influence within the environmental community. The support from Prince William and Princess Kate not only showcases their personal connection but underscores the importance of raising awareness for environmental initiatives.
