It turns out that even future kings have personal heroes — and for Prince William, that person is Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin. Viewers were stunned on Tuesday night when the Prince of Wales made a surprise virtual appearance on Dancing with the Stars to send a heartfelt message of encouragement to his friend and Earthshot ambassador.
Prince William’s surprise message on live TV
During the live broadcast, a pre-recorded video of the prince unexpectedly appeared on screen. Smiling widely, the 43-year-old royal addressed Robert directly:
“We’re missing you, Robert. Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.”
He then turned playfully to Robert’s dance partner, Witney Carson, adding:
“You need to get him in as much glitter as you can!”
The moment left both Irwin and Carson visibly stunned. Carson laughed, “I can’t believe he just said my name!” while Robert stood speechless before declaring, “We are doing this dance for Bindi, and we are doing this dance for Prince William.”
A deeply emotional foxtrot
Robert’s foxtrot to Leona Lewis’s Footprints in the Sand carried special meaning. It was the same song his sister, Bindi Irwin, danced to during her winning run on season 21 of Dancing with the Stars — a tribute she dedicated to their father, Steve Irwin.
Now, years later, Robert honoured both Bindi and William with his own performance, drawing on the legacy that defines his family’s mission.
A bond built through conservation
Robert Irwin’s relationship with Prince William extends far beyond the ballroom. Irwin serves as a global ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, the prince’s ambitious environmental initiative launched in 2020 to accelerate solutions to global ecological challenges.
Robert had originally planned to appear with William at the Earthshot Prize event in Brazil this year, but filming commitments for Dancing with the Stars prevented him from attending.
“I told the prince, ‘I’m still here!’” Robert joked during rehearsals. “He said, ‘Go for it, do your best — and don’t forget the glitter!’”
Why the cameo resonated so strongly
William’s message showcased exactly why he is considered one of the most personable and good-humoured royals. Instead of making a formal statement, he chose a warm, witty video that highlighted his genuine admiration for Robert’s work — and his willingness to cheer him on from afar.
After the performance, Robert could barely contain his excitement:
“That was incredible. To have Prince William — someone I look up to so much — take the time to support me like that… it’s unbelievable. He’s an inspiration in how he uses his platform to protect the planet.”
The respect is mutual. William has frequently praised Robert’s dedication to environmental stewardship, his leadership at the Australia Zoo, and his commitment to continuing Steve Irwin’s mission through Wildlife Warriors.
At the 2024 Earthshot Prize ceremony, William called young activists like Irwin “proof that progress is possible,” saying their optimism is “the driving force behind meaningful change.”
A moment that lit up the ballroom
Robert’s foxtrot earned a standing ovation and emotional applause from the audience. Judges praised the honesty and grace in his performance, while fans online celebrated William’s unexpected cameo.
One viewer summed it up perfectly:
“Only Prince William could appear for 30 seconds and steal the entire show. His excitement was so genuine — you can tell he truly admires Robert.”
For the prince, the moment was one of the most humanising royal appearances of the year — a future king cheering for a conservationist in sequins, teasing him about glitter on national television.
And for Robert Irwin, it was unforgettable:
being called “twinkle toes” by the future King of England — and receiving support from the very man he considers one of his greatest inspirations.