William, Prince of Wales praises Robert Irvine's dancing skills just days after the wildlife conservationist and his professional partner Witney Carson were crowned king. this season's Dancing With the Stars champions.
William expressed his gratitude in a Nov. 29 video honoring Irwin's father, the late conservationist and “Crocodile Hunter” franchise star Steve Irwin, ahead of the 2025 Steve Irwin Gala in Brisbane.
William noted that Irwin Sr.'s mission was to “preserve life on our planet” and protect the natural world from the growing threat of climate change. He then saluted 21-year-old Robert Irwin for continuing his father's legacy by serving as the global ambassador for the William Earthshot Prize.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more passionate and dedicated ambassador in Robert, and he’s quite a dancer,” William said.
“It obviously runs in the family, too,” William added, referring to the dance competition's 21st season in 2015, when Robert Irwin's older sister, Bindi Irwin, and pro partner Derek Hough were crowned champions.
William's praise for the Irwin family came just over two weeks after he appeared in a cameo surprise video to support Robert Irwin during the November 11 episode of “DWTS.”
The prince filmed the video at the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Brazil, which Robert Irwin was forced to skip in order to continue participating in the show.
“We miss you, Robert. While your shiny toes are going somewhere, I need you here,” William joked. “You guys have a very good chance of winning. We wish you good luck on the show.”
That same night Robert Irvine dedicated an emotional dance Bindi Irwin, 27 years old.
During the competition, which asked couples to perform a number from the show's previous season, Robert Irwin and Carson decided to perform the same foxtrot to Leona Lewis's “Footprints in the Sand” that his sister and Hough had once performed.
The first time she performed the dance, Bindi Irwin dedicated it to his brother and sister's late father.
Robert Irwin and Carson performed the foxtrot flawlessly. When they finished, Bindi Irwin joined them on the dance floor, imitating Steve Irwin holding Robert. only 2 when his father diedappeared before them.
Robert Irwin then broke down in tears, kneeling on the floor as his sister and Carson hugged him.
