Prince William applauded David Attenborough as he arrived at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate 100 Years On Planet Earth with a host of star-studded guests.
Celebrities gathered to ring in the legendary broadcaster’s birthday milestone with a special event, hosted by the BBC, in London.
Sir David was greeted by the Prince of Wales as he took his seat in the Royal box before the 90-minute live event got underway.
Stars such as Gillian Anderson as well as Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife joined the audience to mark the veteran broadcaster’s 100th birthday with even King Charles and Queen Camilla teaming up with the BBC to secretly film an extraordinary tribute, that was aired during the special.
Actress Gillian, 57, looked chic in a black dress for the special event as she posed for photos on the blue carpet.
She teamed the A-line number with a pair of chunky heels and pulled her hair back into a high ponytail.
Prince William applauded David Attenborough as he arrived at the Royal Albert Hall to celebrate 100 Years On Planet Earth with a host of star-studded guests
Celebrities gathered to ring in the legendary broadcaster’s birthday milestone with a special event, hosted by the BBC, in London
Joining Gillian, Benedict looked as smart as ever in a dark grey suit which he paired with a white shirt.
His wife Sophie looked stunning in a white textured dress and a pair of quirky, see-through heels.
They were joined at the event by the likes of Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, and Chris Packham.
Sir David said he had been ‘completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings’ as he thanked well wishers ‘most sincerely’ on his centenary.
In an audio message on Thursday, Sir David said: ‘I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.
‘I have been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from pre-school groups to care home residents, and countless individuals and families of all ages.
‘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.’
According to the BBC, Friday evening’s celebrations will be the ‘climax of a week of special events and broadcast programming in honour of Sir David’.
Sir David was greeted by the Prince of Wales as he took his seat in the Royal box before the 90-minute live event got underway
According to the BBC, Friday evening’s celebrations will be the ‘climax of a week of special events and broadcast programming in honour of Sir David’
Actress Gillian Anderson, 57, looked chic in a black dress for the special event as she posed for photos on the blue carpet
Joining Gillian, Benedict looked as smart as ever in a dark grey suit which he paired with a white shirt
Benedict’s wife Sophie looked stunning in a white textured dress and a pair of quirky, see-through heels
They were joined at the event by the likes of Michael Palin
Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri stunned in a black beaded gown with mesh panels
Steve Backshall smiled for photos in a deep green blazer
Greg James opted for a navy blue velvet blazer
Elsewhere, Chris Packham added a Western touch to his ensemble with a bolo tie
Francisco Yglesia opted for a waistcoat and smart trousers
Zoologist Megan McCubbin wore a navy blue gown
Sir David’s nephew Michael was also in attendance at the celebration
Ade Adepitan smiled for a photo with his wife Linda
The veteran broadcaster’s ‘groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling’ will be ‘honoured’ during the show, which kicked off at 7.30pm.
It features a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world seen through the prism of Sir David’s life as well as wildlife stories and live music from his programmes.
Celebrity guests will make appearances during the show with the BBC Concert Orchestra performing original compositions, conducted by Jérôme Kuhn.
Buckingham Palace were also determined to mark such a landmark in the life of Britain’s ultimate ‘national treasure’ and even royal pup, Moley, made a cameo appearance thanks to the Queen.
Their short film ‘A Very Special Delivery’, made by BBC Studios’ renowned Natural History Unit in April, was a complete surprise to the legendary broadcaster and conservationist who has spent a lifetime revealing the wonders of the natural world.
It opens with the King’s piper walking through the grounds of Balmoral Castle before panning to His Majesty, who is penning his tribute to Sir David in the Library with Her Majesty’s dog scampering around his desk.
According to royal sources, the 18-month-old Battersea Dogs and Cats’ Home rescue pup – adopted by Camilla in March last year – was ‘so excited by the presence of the camera crew’ that she proved a ‘tad mischievous’.
His Majesty then wistfully recounts a seven-decade friendship with the iconic naturalist that began when the then nine-year-old Prince Charles visited the set of the BBC children’s show Zoo Quest in 1958 with his little sister, Princess Anne.
As he handwrites his message he acknowledges the enormous impact Sir David’s work has had in unveiling the wonders of the natural world in ever more inspiring ways, echoing his own deep commitment to protecting and saving the planet and all life upon it for generations to come.
The Royal Albert Hall website states: ‘In celebration of David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on 8 May, BBC will bring the nation together for a live event honouring his groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling.
‘Held on his birthday at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the event will take audiences on a journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of David’s extraordinary life.
‘It will feature dramatic wildlife stories, accompanied by live music from his programmes, alongside spoken reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.
‘Accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, it will feature original compositions from some of David’s best-known landmark series.
‘Alongside the music, guests will include some of those he has collaborated with from the world of conservation and wildlife filmmaking.’
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