Prince William paid an emotional tribute to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday tonight, saying he had been an inspiration to both himself and now his children.

Taking to the stage at the Royal Albert Hall for a televised event to mark the legendary naturalist and broadcaster's centenary, the heir to the throne said: 'It is a rare privilege to celebrate a century of life.

'But it is rarer still when that person has transformed the way we see the only home that we have - Planet Earth.

'David, for decades, your voice has been a constant in our lives, guiding us through rainforests and oceans, over mountains and into the very fabric of life.

'Through your boundless curiosity, gentle wisdom, and unwavering dedication, you have opened our eyes to the beauty of our planet, and to its fragility, reminding us of our collective responsibility to protect it.

'You have been a guiding light in the work we now undertake to safeguard the natural world. Long before many of us found our voice on the challenges we face, you were speaking with clarity, urgency, and optimism.

'And it is that sense of urgent optimism that has made all the difference.

'Like millions across the world, my children have grown up with your incredible storytelling - a window into the wonders of nature that shaped their understanding of our planet, and their belief that it is something worth fighting for.'

In September 2020 Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis got to meet Sir David at Kensington Palace and filmed a question and answer session for him: George asking which animal would become extinct next, Charlotte telling him she loved spiders and little Louis asking what his favourite animal was.

His answers were: 'Hopefully none, because there are lots of things we can do when animals are in danger', 'I love spiders…I think they are wonderful things….why are people so frightened of them?' and 'monkeys'.

William, 43, described how Sir David had been a major source of support and inspiration for his own Earthshot Prize, a global initiative to highlight and scale up some of the most inspirational environmental initiatives on the planet, for which he was one of the first prize council members.

'For me personally, your friendship has been profound,' the prince said.

'You have strengthened my own determination to act. To work with those who are raising awareness of the challenges and building the solutions that drive meaningful change. 

'Through your support in establishing The Earthshot Prize, we are now striving to turn your inspiration into action, to champion those solutions that are creating a more sustainable future for us all.

'Because one of the greatest gifts you have given us, David, is more than just an understanding of what is at risk. You have given us belief that positive change is still possible.'

He continued: 'Tonight, we celebrate far more than a remarkable milestone of one hundred years.

'We celebrate a lifetime of extraordinary service. A life that has brought the natural world closer to humanity, and humanity closer to its responsibility to the natural world.

'Your legacy is not only the films we treasure or the knowledge you have shared. It is the generations you have inspired. Generations who now look forward with determination and with optimism.

'And so, as we celebrate you this evening, we also look to the future, one that carries your spirit forward.

'If there is a baton to be taken up, it is the one you have prepared us to carry.

'Sir David, thank you for your wisdom, your kindness, your dedication, and for reminding us, always, of the wonder of the world we call home.

'A very happy 100th birthday.'