Oberon Review

Prince William wishes Robert Irwin luck ahead of dance

Updated November 12 2025 - 5:22pm, first published 5:20pm
Robert Irwin appeared shocked to receive a good luck call from Prince William. Photo: AP PHOTO
Robert Irwin appeared shocked to receive a good luck call from Prince William. Photo: AP PHOTO

The Prince of Wales offered encouragement to Earthshot Prize ambassador Robert Irwin prior to the Australian's performance on a US edition of Dancing With The Stars.

A 20th birthday episode of the show aired on Tuesday evening in the US, with William among a number of special faces making an appearance. 

A pre-recorded clip showed Irwin, son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, and his dance partner Witney Carson receiving a Zoom call from the future king in the lead-up to their performance. 

Prince William sent a good luck message to Robert Irwin ahead of his Dancing With The Stars show. (EPA PHOTO)
Prince William sent a good luck message to Robert Irwin ahead of his Dancing With The Stars show. (EPA PHOTO)

"We're missing you Robert," William said on the call, which took place ahead of the Earthshot awards night in Rio de Janeiro last week. 

Irwin, 21, had to miss the ceremony due to his commitments with the US version of Strictly Come Dancing. 

"Whilst your 'twinkle toes' are going off elsewhere, I need you down here," William said. 

"Witney, you need to get him in as much glitter as you can. You guys have got a seriously good chance of winning it. So just the best of luck on the show." 

Irwin and Carson went on to receive a perfect score for their Foxtrot performance, which Irwin dedicated to his father. 

The prince used last week's Earthshot awards to hail the next generation of environmentalists. 

The annual event, now in its fifth year, aims to recognise and scale up solutions to "repair" the planet, with five winners awarded one million pounds ($A2 million) each to develop their ideas.

Australian Associated Press

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