Prince William and Robert Irwin have developed a strong friendship — and according to a source, the Prince of Wales, 43, wants to continue collaborating with the conservationist.
A source tells Star that Prince William thinks Robert, 21, has the “charisma, work ethic, and heart to truly inspire the next generation,” noting that the royal has “talked about filming a wildlife special” with the Australian TV presenter geared towards “younger audiences” to “help further their shared mission of conservation.”
William has already appointed Robert — who is the son of the late “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin — as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize. The annual award celebrates contributions to environmentalism and is presented by William’s charity, The Royal Foundation.
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“William has always been a huge fan of the Irwin family, he thinks they’re absolutely first rate and really admires the way they’ve handled Steve’s legacy and what they’ve built from it,” the source shared. “He and Robert met years ago and hit it off right away, so he’s thrilled to be working with him on Earthshot. There’s a real mutual respect and shared passion for conservation.”
The Duke of Cambridge also “admires” how the whole Irwin family “do what they do for the sake of the animals,” the insider continued. “He says the Irwins represent the kind of global, positive energy the monarchy needs more of, and he’s eager to bring them further into the royal fold.”
The two men’s bromance made headlines recently after Robert appeared as a guest on the Tuesday, June 24, episode of Scott Mills’ BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, and William left a hilarious message for him.
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“Just beware, Scott. Robert likes to pull random terrifying animals and creatures out of his pockets while he’s on anyone’s show and talking to them,” William joked. “Just watch your back at all times [so] that a tarantula or something doesn’t suddenly pop onto your desk.”
Following the radio show, Robert spoke to People about the royal figure’s humorous accusations.
“I have taken it easy on him. I haven’t just whipped out any tarantulas or anything,” he told the outlet. “But to be honest, if there’s anyone who could handle that, it’s him. I mean, he’s been around wildlife from the time he was really, really young.”
The zookeeper went on to praise Williams’ devotion to environmentalism.
“I talk to him about animals, and like, he is on it. He knows exactly what’s going on. In most conversations I have with His Royal Highness, I learn something. I really do,” he admitted. “It’s this genuine sense of passion. I love that passion. Like that’s what I seek. I seek out people that feel like kindred spirits, you know? So it’s really awesome. Really is.”