Prince William is urging people to be careful around Robert Irwin — but for a pretty wholesome reason. On Tuesday, June 24, Robert appeared on UK radio station BBC Radio 2 and received a message from the Prince of Wales, who was not able to make it in person. In the message, William joked that people need to “watch their backs” around Robert, who is the son of late conservationist Steve Irwin.
Prince William’s message is especially relevant to those who are scared of spiders.
In his message, William greeted radio host Scott Mills. “Good morning, Scott, or should I say G’day, Scott?” he said, per People. “I know you’ve got the fantastic Robert Irwin on the show this morning, a brilliant ambassador for the Earthshot Prize. Sorry I can’t be with you both this morning, hoping to catch up with you soon.”
He then warned Scott to be careful around Robert. “Just beware, Scott, that Robert likes to pull random terrifying animals and creatures out of his pockets while he’s on anyone’s show and talking to them,” Prince William said. “So just watch your back at all times, that a tarantula or something doesn’t suddenly pop onto your desk.”
In spite of William’s warning, Robert didn’t actually bring any ‘terrifying creatures’ with him.
When Robert saw William during London Climate Action Week, he didn’t bring anything that might scare him. Robert told People that he has “taken it easy on” Prince William. “I haven’t just whipped out any tarantulas or anything,” he added.
Though William’s message made it sound like such an occurrence would bother him, Robert is confident that he would be able to handle it. “To be honest, if there’s anyone who could handle that, it’s him. I mean, he’s been around wildlife from the time he was really, really young,” Robert said, adding that Prince William has always seemed informed about wildlife.
Robert praised Prince William for caring about wildlife conservation.
Robert is committed to continuing his father’s legacy and does a lot of conservation work himself. He also believes that Prince William is “doing a fantastic job” when it comes to environmental issues.
Speaking to Hello! magazine, Robert reflected on how William’s upbringing likely contributed to his appreciation for and concern about nature. “I was born and raised and grew up in a family business and a family environment, you know, creating this amazing empire of conservation and a positivity,” he told the publication. “And there is such a symmetry in that Prince William, the environment that he grew up in, how he travelled so much from such a young age and got to see wildlife around the world, and I’m sure that’s really inspired him.”
Robert also noted that William is “certainly creating an amazing legacy for his kids.”
Check out our Meghan Markle page for all the latest news about Meghan, Prince Harry, and their growing family.
