William, Prince of Wales, is praising Robert Irwin’s dancing skills just days after the wildlife conservationist and his pro partner Witney Carson were crowned this season’s champions on “Dancing with the Stars.”
William gave the shoutout in a Nov. 29 video honoring Irwin’s dad, late conservationist and “Crocodile Hunter” franchise star Steve Irwin, ahead of the 2025 Steve Irwin Gala in Brisbane.
William noted that the elder Irwin’s mission was “to safeguard life on our planet” and to protect the natural world from the growing dangers of climate change. He then saluted Robert Irwin, 21, for carrying on his father’s legacy and acting as a Global Ambassador for William’s environmental award, the Earthshot Prize.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more passionate and committed ambassador in Robert, and he’s not a bad dancer either,” said William.
“That clearly runs in the family, too,” added William, referring to Season 21 of the dance competition in 2015 when Robert Irwin’s older sister, Bindi Irwin, and pro partner Derek Hough were crowned the champions.
William’s praise for the Irwin family comes a little more than two weeks after he appeared in a surprise cameo video to cheer on Robert Irwin during the Nov. 11 episode of “DWTS.”
The prince filmed the video at the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony in Brazil, which Robert Irwin was forced to skip to continue competing on the show.
“We’re missing you, Robert. Whilst your twinkle toes are going elsewhere, I need you down here,” William joked. “You guys got a seriously good chance of winning. Just the best of luck on the show.”
The same night, Robert Irwin dedicated an emotional dance to Bindi Irwin, 27.
During a challenge that asked couples to perform a routine from an earlier season of the show, Robert Irwin and Carson opted to perform the same foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis that his sister and Hough once performed.
When she originally performed the dance, Bindi Irwin dedicated it to the sibling’s late father.
Robert Irwin and Carson performed the foxtrot flawlessly. When they finished, Bindi Irwin joined them on the dance floor as images of Steve Irwin holding Robert, who was only 2 when his father died, appeared before them.
Robert Irwin then broke into tears, kneeling down on the floor as his sister and Carson embraced him.
