David Beckham has called Sir David Attenborough a 'national treasure' as he joined a host of other famous names in wishing the broadcaster a happy 100th birthday. The environmentalist has said he is 'completely overwhelmed' by messages he had received ahead of his big day, which will include a concert on Friday evening at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Royal and Celebrity Tributes
Leading the tributes, King Charles III, Queen Camilla and David Beckham shared photographs of Sir David. Posting on Instagram, David captioned three images showing the BBC star with gorillas and an iguana by saying: 'Happy 100th Birthday to our National Treasure.' Meanwhile, the King and Queen wished him a very happy birthday, adding: 'Enjoy your special celebration this evening!'
In a video, Prince William, who previously worked with Sir David on the environmental award the Earthshot Prize, said: 'Everything you do continues to inspire me. Have a very happy day.' The clip, posted on Earthshot prize's account, also featured conservationist Robert Irwin, 22, the son of the late wildlife educator Steve, who said: 'Happy 100th birthday Sir David Attenborough. Thank you so much for inspiring me and generations to have a deeper understanding and connection to what's more important: our beautiful natural world.'
The Duke of Sussex also wished the natural historian well, as he wrote: 'His most significant contribution has been the systematic dismantling of the notion that climate issues are happening 'somewhere else.' Young people continue to listen to him not just for the spectacle of nature, but for a sense of continuity in an unstable world.'
Actor Sir Ian McKellen's Praise
Actor Sir Ian McKellen added that Sir David 'sums up what was best about the BBC' with 'serious programmes made for a popular audience.' 'His ability to communicate his own enthusiasms are very precious and he's brought such joy to so many people,' he said. 'And I think, along with a lot of people, my favourite television programmes are probably natural history.'
Sir David's Response
Responding to his birthday messages, Sir David said: 'I simply can't reply to each of you separately, but I'd like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events: have a very happy day.'
Career Highlights
Beginning his TV career presenting Zoo Quest in 1954, Sir David went on to host a series of phenomenal nature documentaries such as Planet Earth to The Blue Planet. Earlier this week, the beloved naturalist said he had hoped to celebrate his centenary 'quietly', but conceded that the Great British public had had 'other ideas'.
Centenary Celebrations
The Royal Albert Hall celebration, which will be broadcast tonight on BBC One, is just one of many events to mark his birthday. The Natural History Museum's exhibition presented by Sir David will also be transformed into a free five-minute show in central London. On top of this, Our Story With David Attenborough will be adapted to be shown at Outernet London on Tottenham Court Road from Sir David's birthday on May 8. People will be able to see the veteran BBC nature presenter take viewers through the history of people and the Earth, before presenting a vision of London's future.
