The world has been pleasantly surprised by the endearing friendship between Prince William and Robert Irwin, a bond that thrives on their shared passions for wildlife conservation and environmental responsibility. Recently, Prince William made a heartfelt appearance on “Dancing with the Stars” to encourage Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old wildlife advocate and son of the late Steve Irwin. This delightful exchange has illuminated the connection they share, showcasing the depth of their friendship in photos.
Prince William’s DWTS Stint Surprised Fans
Access shared an endearing video from the episode where Prince William appeared via video message, lending his support to Robert and his pro partner, Witney Carson, during their rehearsals for a foxtrot performance.
“While your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need him down here,” William jokingly remarked, his tone lighthearted. “Witney, I need you to get him in as much glitter as you can. You’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it, so best of luck on the show.”
These warm words clearly resonated with Robert, who expressed that the message meant “the absolute world” to him. “We are doing this dance for Bindi and we are doing this dance for Prince William,” he shared, visibly moved by the royal’s encouragement.
A Friendship Rooted in Conservation
The friendship between Robert Irwin and Prince William is deeply rooted in their mutual dedication to wildlife and environmental protection. Their collaboration began in 2023 with the Earthshot Prize, an initiative championed by William that recognizes individuals making significant strides in tackling the planet’s pressing challenges.
Reflecting on their partnership, Robert shared with Us Weekly in May 2025, “I think Prince William has been such an amazing person to work with. There is such an incredible synergy between what he does and who he is.”
He further emphasized the importance of their shared mission, saying, “It’s all about conservation. I think it’s wonderful that someone so influential—who has such a fantastic platform—is using that to really better our environment. He is a true environmental hero, and working with him has been a great privilege.”
From South Africa to the Ballroom
Their connection has only strengthened over the years. In 2024, Robert attended the Earthshot Prize in Cape Town, South Africa, serving as an official Global Ambassador alongside Prince William. The two were seen discussing urgent biodiversity conservation needs while walking through picturesque scenery.
During their time in South Africa, William and Robert shared a light-hearted Instagram video, showcasing their camaraderie. “G’day, it’s Robert here, with, of course, Prince William,” Robert began. The prince revealed his favorite African animal as the cheetah, to which Robert humorously responded, “Cheetahs, OK. Very cool. It’s chameleons for me, the unsung hero—I love them.”
This playful dialogue quickly garnered attention, highlighting the authentic bond between the future king and the passionate conservationist, further emphasizing their friendship in photos.
A Shared Mission for the Planet
Beyond their esteemed titles, Prince William and Robert Irwin are united by a common goal: the protection of the natural world. Robert frequently praises William for leveraging his influence to drive positive environmental change, calling him “a true environmental hero.”
“I talk to him about animals, and he is on it,” Robert stated in an interview. “In most conversations I have with His Royal Highness, I learn something. It’s this genuine sense of passion. Like that’s what I seek—I seek out people that feel like kindred spirits, you know? So it’s really awesome.”
Their heartfelt friendship and commitment to nature continue to inspire fans. As Robert captivates audiences on “Dancing with the Stars,” it is clear that Prince William’s unwavering support, coupled with their shared mission, fosters a bond that remains resilient and impactful.
