Listeners to Radio 2’s Scott Mills Breakfast Show were treated to a special surprise when the Prince of Wales, Prince William, left a heartfelt voicenote message. Although he couldn’t join in person, the prince took the opportunity to express his apologies and spotlight the Earthshot Prize, the prestigious global environmental award he founded and presides over.
Joining Scott Mills live in the studio was conservationist and presenter Robert Irwin, son of the renowned Australian conservationist Steve Irwin. Irwin engaged with listeners by answering voice notes featuring animal-themed questions from children. Near the end of the show, Mills announced the final voicenote would be from none other than Prince William, much to Irwin’s astonishment.
In the message, William greeted Scott warmly, referencing the presence of Robert Irwin and praising him as a “brilliant ambassador for the Earthshot Prize.” He expressed regret for not being there in person and extended a special invitation to the Earthshot Prize event scheduled for November in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Highlighting Robert Irwin’s playful nature, the prince humorously warned Scott to be cautious of “random terrifying animals” that Robert might unexpectedly produce during interviews, such as tarantulas. Ending on a positive note, William wished Scott and Robert a fantastic show and hoped to catch up soon.
Robert Irwin, an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, responded with laughter and also shared insights into continuing his late father’s conservation legacy. The Earthshot Prize annually honors five winners selected from a shortlist of 15, recognizing outstanding environmental achievements. Brazil, the host country for this year’s prize ceremony, holds special significance as it contains over half of the Amazon rainforest and nearly a fifth of the planet’s biodiversity—a fitting backdrop for this global celebration of environmental progress.