Prince William left Robert Irwin burying his face in Graham Norton's red sofa after delivering a joke about the conservationist's underwear campaign during a television appearance promoting the Earthshot Prize.
"I'm still thinking about your python," the Prince of Wales told Irwin after Norton displayed photographs of the Australian posing in BONDS briefs alongside wildlife. The exchange brought laughter to an October 23 episode that paired environmental advocacy with the BBC programme's familiar celebrity teasing.
William, 44, joined Irwin, actress Cate Blanchett and Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham for the special edition of The Graham Norton Show. He became the first senior working royal to appear as a guest on the chat show, according to the account.
The conversation turned to Irwin's modelling work when Norton introduced photographs taken at Australia Zoo in Queensland. The 22-year-old had included snakes and spiders in the campaign as a way to bring conservation into an advertisement for underwear.
Irwin protested as Norton prepared to display the images, while William and Waddingham encouraged the host to proceed. One photograph showed a python draped around Irwin's neck.
"I can't believe I'm looking at these with Prince William," Irwin said.
The prince inspected the photographs and added: "That one's a bit too much, that one."
Irwin attempted to redirect attention from his clothing to the animals, explaining why he had wanted them involved.
"It was an underwear commercial, obviously, but I wanted to kind of create a conservation element to it," he told Norton.
Blanchett joined the teasing, joking that he was "taking my snake for a walk." Irwin then drew attention to another animal in the campaign: "It's a huntsman spider there on my shoulder."
William's subsequent python remark sent Irwin folding forward into the sofa. Despite his embarrassment during the broadcast, Irwin later described the appearance online as "an honour to share the couch with this incredible group for a hilarious and inspiring chat."
The guests shared connections to Earthshot, the environmental prize William founded in 2020 to support solutions to problems affecting the planet. Irwin serves as a global ambassador, Blanchett is associated with its council, and Waddingham hosted the 2023 awards ceremony in Singapore.
William explained that he wanted the initiative to offer an optimistic response to environmental challenges, giving audiences something beyond discouraging headlines. Irwin's account of the BONDS campaign reflected a similar effort to reach people who might not otherwise seek out conservation material.
The son of the late wildlife presenter Steve Irwin continues his environmental work alongside his mother, Terri, and sister, Bindi. His entertainment profile also expanded after his 2025 victory on the American version of Dancing with the Stars.
William discussed family television habits during the programme, saying Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were "obsessed" with The Celebrity Traitors. He also recalled trying to startle actor Ross Kemp after watching the show and discovering that Kemp was particularly jumpy.
