In an unexpected royal moment that left audiences stunned, Prince William made a surprise video appearance on the US edition of Dancing With The Stars this week. The Prince of Wales delivered a special message of support for Australian conservationist Robert Irwin just before his performance.
A Royal Surprise During Rehearsals
The dramatic reveal occurred during Tuesday's episode when Robert Irwin and his professional dance partner Witney Carson received what was described as "a special call" in their pre-performance video package. Robert admitted he had no idea who was calling, adding "Let's see" before the Prince of Wales appeared on screen.
Both Robert and Witney were visibly shocked and thrilled to see William, with Robert immediately asking "How was Rio?" referencing the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Brazil that the young conservationist had to miss due to his DWTS commitments.
"We're missing you, Robert," William replied warmly. "Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here." The Prince then joked with Witney, telling her to get Robert "in as much glitter as you can."
Emotional Dedications and Family Support
William's appearance held special significance as Robert serves as a global ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, William's environmental awards initiative. The royal had previously attended the 2024 Earthshot awards in Cape Town, South Africa, alongside Robert.
Before signing off with "Guys, you've got a seriously good chance of winning it" and "just the best of luck on the show," William's encouragement clearly moved Robert, who responded that the call "means the absolute world."
The emotional connections deepened as Robert revealed their foxtrot - set to Leona Lewis's "Footprints in the Sand" - would be dedicated to both William and his sister Bindi, who danced to the same song during her winning season in 2015.
Family Legacy and Healing Performance
Robert wasn't short on family support this week. Bindi Irwin, who won the mirrorball trophy with professional dancer turned judge Derek Hough, visited rehearsals with her five-year-old daughter Grace. In a touching moment, Bindi even joined Robert on the dance floor at the end of his performance.
The emotional climax came when a surprise clip of Robert and Bindi's late father, Steve Irwin, was projected onto the ballroom floor. Robert broke down in tears as Witney and his sister embraced him.
The powerful performance earned the season's first perfect score of 40 points, with Robert later reflecting on Instagram: "Tonight was healing. This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful. I carry Dad's legacy with me in everything I do and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him."
He expressed gratitude to his sister for inspiring them with her original freestyle to the same song and thanked Witney for "choreographing such a beautiful story through dance and for creating a space for me to convey raw emotions that I've never gotten to share before."
Robert concluded with a tribute to his father's mission: "I'm a proud Wildlife Warrior and I'll always carry on my dad's mission. I'm so grateful that I can do that in the ballroom."
