Prince William Has Extremely Candid Video Chat with Steve Irwin's Son: ‘I Was a Big Fan of Your Dad’

Prince William has gathered a variety of supporters for his Earthshot Prize endeavor, which is hosting its first-ever awards show this weekend. One of those advocates is Animal Planet star and son of the late Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin.  

The Duke of Cambridge recently participated in a video chat with the 17-year-old conservationist to discuss the prestigious environmental award program. Naturally, before they got into the details of the project, William took a moment to praise Irwin and the work he is doing on his own. 

“Honestly, I was a big fan of your dad, and I am so sorry," the duke said in the clip, which can be viewed on 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. He'd be very proud of you, Robert. And what you continued. Your passion is only second to his.”

Following the prince’s sweet words, the animal activist asked the royal where he got his inspiration for the Earthshot Prize, which offers $65 million to provide “solutions to the world’s greatest environmental problems” over the next decade. 

“I felt that a bit of optimism and hope is what we needed," William continued. “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.”

As we mentioned above, the awards will take place on October 17, and will be broadcast to a global audience—on BBCOne and Discovery on Facebook. The show will celebrate the global finalists before awarding the first five winners of the Earthshot Prize and will include appearances from Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes. 

We’ll also be crossing our fingers for Robert to make an appearance.  

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