Prince William and Princess Kate expressed their pride for wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin following his victory on the popular television show Dancing with the Stars. Irwin, aged 21, was crowned champion of the series’ 34th season on November 25, 2023, defeating notable competitors including social media star Alix Earle and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles in a closely contested finale.
Following the announcement of Irwin’s win, the royal couple took to social media to congratulate him. A comment from their official account read, “Congratulations Robert and Witney!” accompanied by celebratory emojis. This victory is particularly remarkable considering Irwin dealt with a rib injury during the competition. His professional dance partner, Witney Carson, revealed in a pre-final video that Irwin was facing significant pain, stating, “Robert’s ribs have been killing him, and more will be revealed on Tuesday.”
Support from the Royals
Earlier in the competition, Prince William made a surprise appearance, showing his support for Irwin. The conservationist was scheduled to attend the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, but his commitments to the show prevented him from participating. During a video 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 connection between Prince William and Robert Irwin has deepened over the years, fueled by their shared commitment to environmental conservation. In an interview with Us Weekly in June, Irwin praised William, stating, “I think Prince William has been such an amazing person to work with… He is a true environmental hero, and so working with him has been a great privilege.”
Environmental Advocacy and Friendship
Their friendship blossomed during collaborative efforts focused on sustainability and biodiversity. At last year’s Earthshot Prize in South Africa, the two explored Signal Hill together while discussing environmental issues and meeting local park rangers. This initial meeting marked the beginning of a strong bond between them, which continues to thrive.
In a statement regarding the Earthshot Prize, Irwin emphasized its significance as a “beacon of hope for all of us who care about the environment.” He articulated the critical relationship between healthy ecosystems and a sustainable future, adding, “Healthy oceans, ecosystems, and species equal a healthy planet, and the Earthshot Prize recognizes the importance of investing in and helping grow solutions that protect these critical resources.”
As Irwin celebrates his victory, his partnership with both Carson and support from the royal family highlight the intersection of entertainment and meaningful advocacy for the environment, inspiring millions around the globe.
