Prince William reveals secret outing in new photo, released for icon’s birthday

Prince William shared a personal message on social media today to mark David Attenborough’s 99th birthday.

Alongside the text was a new image of the pair, captured on Tuesday, which revealed the royal’s secret outing.

While King Charles attended the world premiere of Ocean with David Attenborough on Tuesday night, the Prince of Wales appeared to go to the afternoon screening of the film.

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“As he turns 99 today, in his new film, Sir David has once again reminded us of the need to protect natural habitats – this time those beneath the ocean,” Prince William wrote.

“He has dedicated his life to ensuring we understand the realities of what mankind is doing to the planet.

“However hard hitting his message is, Sir David always leaves us with a sense of hope and optimism that all is not lost and this film is no different. We must act together, with urgency, to restore our oceans.”

The royal signed off in a personal and casual style, writing “Happy Birthday, David. W”.

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It marked Prince William’s second personal post of the day, though it’s still rare for the royals to write their own messages.

Earlier, the Prince of Wales issued an emotional statement about “those protecting our natural world” following the death of two wildlife rangers as they patrolled a Mozambique reserve.

Hours later, the father-of-three’s words about the natural world were a little more hopeful, as he reflected on Attenborough’s legacy.

Prince William has worked with the broadcast icon a number of times in the past, including on his passion project, Earthshot Prize.

The royals’ support of the natural world and Attenborough projects over the years has been applauded by one of the directors of his latest Ocean film.

“I think King Charles and Prince William have done some incredible work with the environment and conservation,” director and producer Toby Nowlan told 9honey at the world premiere this week.

“I think their presence here is going to have a huge effect and shows the importance of this film and this message.”

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David Attenborough’s extraordinary life in pictures

Similarly, singer James Blunt praised the royal family’s commitment to conservation causes.

“I think it takes informed people with a public persona, to tell us that we are in dire need of action now,” he told 9honey on the blue carpet in London.

“They speak great common sense and I suppose the King and David Attenborough are our most senior people, so [it’s] wonderful they’ve come together to do this.”

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