Prince William, who is the Prince of Wales, surprised Robert Irwin — son of tragic conservationalist “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin — before his Dancing With The Stars performance
Prince William left conservationalist Robert Irwin a good luck message ahead of his Dancing With The Stars contest last night.
The Prince of Wales, 43, told Robert he had “a seriously good chance of winning” the competition ahead of he and dance partner Witney Carson’s jive. It was just the encouragement the TV personality — son of tragic conservationalist “The Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin — needed as he and Witney ended up tying for the top score of the night and securing their spot in the semi-finals.
After the call and before the dance, Robert, 21, said: “We are doing this dance for Bindi (Robert’s sister), and we’re doing this dance for Prince William. So, let’s not mess this up.” Bindi, another conservationalist, also surprised Robert in the build-up to Tuesday night’s performance.
William, though, had said: “We’re going to save the world… Best of luck on the show.” Speaking in a video message recorded in the wake of the Earthshot Prize Awards, referred to Robert’s support to help protect the environment.
READ MORE: Prince William joins King and Camilla on rare joint outing for touching reasonREAD MORE: Kate Middleton suddenly halts plans in surprise gesture that leaves fan ‘shaking’
The message was played during a VT on last night’s Dancing With The Stars on ABC. Robert and Witney then performed live, and were delighted to receive the first perfect score of season 34.
But Robert was supposed to be with Prince William in Brazil instead — and admitted he took a huge sacrifice to go ahead with the programme while William gave awards at the ceremony.
When the prince popped up on Robert’s tablet screen, the young conservationalist said: “Oh my goodness!… How was Rio?” William, who appeared in a simple white shirt and patterned tie, said the prize ceremony went “really well,” and he was confident he and Robert were making strides to protect the planet.
The royal continued: “We’re missing you… Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.” The exchange left Robert visibly emotional during the VT, played before his dance on camera.
Bruno Tonioli praised the performance, saying that Robert had “the royal seal of approval,” and now he had “America’s seal of approval.” Carrie Ann Inaba noted a troubling lifted foot, but she ultimately didn’t care because the dance was “so powerful” and “so profound.”
“You have come from being so charismatic that first episode, and now you have turned into a beautiful storyteller with your heart open,” she gushed.
Robert, originally from Buderim, Australia, currently hosts I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here in Australia, having had extensive roles on reality TV shows and wildlife photography. He was just two when his father was killed by a stingray injury to the heart while filming an underwater documentary.