Imagine receiving a heartfelt message from a royal just moments before stepping onto a global stage—a message that not only boosts your confidence but also ties your personal journey to a greater cause. That’s exactly what happened to Robert Irwin, the young conservationist and son of the late 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin, when Prince William, the Prince of Wales, surprised him with an emotional pep talk before his Dancing With The Stars performance. But here's where it gets even more intriguing: Robert wasn’t just dancing for the competition—he was dancing for his sister, Bindi, and for the very prince who had inspired him to continue his father’s legacy of environmental advocacy.
On November 12, 2025, Prince William, 43, reached out to Robert, 21, with a video message that was both personal and profound. 'You have a seriously good chance of winning,' the prince assured him, referencing Robert’s upcoming jive with dance partner Witney Carson. The encouragement couldn’t have come at a better time, as Robert and Witney went on to tie for the top score of the night, securing their spot in the semi-finals. But this wasn’t just about dance moves—it was about something bigger. William’s message, recorded after the Earthshot Prize Awards, highlighted Robert’s dedication to environmental conservation, with the prince declaring, 'We're going to save the world... Best of luck on the show.'
And this is the part most people miss: Robert’s decision to participate in Dancing With The Stars came at a significant personal cost. He was supposed to be in Brazil alongside Prince William for the Earthshot Prize ceremony, but he chose to prioritize the competition instead. When William unexpectedly appeared on Robert’s tablet screen, the young conservationist was visibly moved. 'Oh my goodness! How was Rio?' Robert exclaimed, to which William replied that the ceremony had gone 'really well' and expressed confidence in their shared mission to protect the planet. 'We're missing you... Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here,' the prince added with a smile, leaving Robert emotional.
The performance itself was nothing short of spectacular. Robert and Witney’s dance earned them the first perfect score of Season 34, with judge Bruno Tonioli declaring that Robert had 'the royal seal of approval' and now 'America's seal of approval.' Carrie Ann Inaba, while noting a minor technical flaw, was effusive in her praise: 'You have come from being so charismatic that first episode, and now you have turned into a beautiful storyteller with your heart open.'
But here’s the controversial question: In a world where environmental activism often takes a backseat to entertainment, should figures like Robert Irwin be celebrated for using their platform to amplify important causes, or does their involvement in reality TV risk diluting their message? Robert, who hosts I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in Australia and has followed in his father’s footsteps as a wildlife photographer, has undeniably used his fame to spotlight conservation efforts. Yet, some might argue that his participation in glitzy shows like Dancing With The Stars could overshadow his core mission. What do you think? Is Robert’s approach a brilliant blend of entertainment and advocacy, or does it tread a fine line? Let’s discuss in the comments below.
Robert’s journey is a testament to resilience and purpose. Losing his father, Steve Irwin, at just two years old to a tragic stingray injury, Robert has grown into a figure who honors his legacy while carving out his own path. From his roots in Buderim, Australia, to the global stage, he continues to inspire—both through his dance moves and his unwavering commitment to the planet. And with Prince William’s support, it’s clear that this dynamic duo is just getting started.
