Prince William surprised viewers and contestants alike on Dancing with the Stars Tuesday night with a virtual appearance in support of Australian conservationist Robert Irwin, adding royal humor and heartfelt encouragement to the popular competition's live broadcast.
The 43-year-old Prince of Wales appeared via a pre-recorded message, praising Irwin, 21, who currently serves as a global ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, William's flagship environmental initiative. "We're missing you, Robert," the prince said with a grin. "Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here." Turning to Irwin's dance partner Witney Carson, William added playfully, "You need to get him in as much glitter as you can."
Carson burst into laughter after hearing her name from the heir to the British throne, exclaiming, "I can't believe he just said my name!" The lighthearted exchange drew applause from the audience, while Irwin appeared visibly emotional before dedicating his performance to both William and his sister, Bindi Irwin.
"We are doing this dance for Bindi, and we are doing this dance for Prince William, so let's not mess this up!" Irwin said ahead of his foxtrot to Leona Lewis's Footprints in the Sand. The choice of song carried deep personal significance for the Irwin family - it was the same piece Bindi performed during her 2015 winning season on Dancing with the Stars, dedicating it to their late father, wildlife icon Steve Irwin.
"There's a lot of weight," Robert admitted during rehearsals. "Because I really want it to be our best dance yet, to be honest." His performance, both technically polished and emotionally charged, drew praise from the judges and was widely celebrated online.
Irwin's participation in the show coincided with his absence from the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Brazil, where he was scheduled to represent the environmental initiative. "I told him, 'I'm still here,'" Irwin joked of his exchange with Prince William, adding that he hoped the prince would understand.
As one of Earthshot's youngest ambassadors, Irwin continues the legacy of his parents, Steve and Terri Irwin, through Australia Zoo and the Wildlife Warriors foundation. His dual role as entertainer and environmental advocate has made him a public favorite, blending showmanship with a mission-driven sense of purpose.
Prince William launched the Earthshot Prize in 2020 to reward groundbreaking environmental innovations and accelerate solutions to climate challenges. "We set out to tackle environmental issues head on and make real, lasting changes that would protect life on Earth," the prince said at this year's closing ceremony. "It was a mission driven by the kind of extraordinary optimism we've felt here tonight, from these innovators. Their work is the proof we need that progress is possible."
