WhenRobert IrwininterviewedPrince Williamabout his upcomingEarthshot Prize, the Animal Planet star got some high praise from the Duke of Cambridge.
“Honestly, I was a big fan of your dad [Steve Irwin] and I amso sorry,” saidPrince William, 39, in a conversation shared exclusively with PEOPLE. “It’s no surprise that you’re a fan of crocodiles as well. The family trait has continued into the next generation I am sure.”
Prince Williamcontinued, “He’d be very proud of you Robert. And what you continued. Your passion is only second to his.”
During their discussion, Irwin — who is anEarthshot advocate— askedPrince Williamwhat inspired him to start the non-profit which will host it’s first-ever awards ceremony in London on Sunday October 17.
“I felt that a bit of optimism and hope is what we needed,” saidPrince Williamof the global environment prize, which he designed to incentivize change and help repair our planet over the next 10 years. “Showing people that there are solutions. That there is a way forward what was going to be needed, and so that’s how the Earthshot Prize sort of spun out from there.”
Prince William looking out over London from Alexandra Palace.Kensington Palace
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Irwin, his momTerriand sisterBindihave dedicated their lives to conservation and continuing Steve Irwin’s legacy through theAustralia Zooand their foundations includingWildlife Warriors.
“I’m really glad that I get to hopefully inspire my generation and my fellow younger Australians to ignite and start that spark of passion,” says Robert.
Earthshot Prize: Repairing Our Planetis available now on discovery+; the Earthshot Prize ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and globally onDiscovery’s Facebookpage on Sunday.
source: people.com
