Steve Irwin’s children, Robert and Bindi, have both won ‘Dancing with the Stars’ — with his son winning the most recent season
Prince William is committed to carrying on Steve Irwin’s legacy.
On Nov. 29, the Prince of Wales, 43, shared a video paying tribute to the late “wildlife warrior,” who died after a stingray attack in 2006, ahead of the 2025 Steve Irwin Gala in Brisbane.
“Steve’s mission in life was to safeguard life on our planet, and tonight’s event is all about carrying forward that dedication to conservation and the natural world,” William said of the conservationist on Instagram. “We are approaching a defining moment, as temperatures rise, animals and plants face extinction, water resources diminish, and waste accumulates.”
Along with encouraging people to take “collective action” to preserve clean air, abundant oceans and a stable climate, William praised Robert Irwin’s work as a Global Ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, an environmental prize, and his commitment to carrying on his father’s vision.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more passionate and committed ambassador in Robert, and he’s not a bad dancer either,” he said, referring to the 21-year-old’s recent stint on Dancing with the Stars. “That clearly runs in the family too.”
Before Robert and his DWTS partner Witney Carson took home the Mirrorball Trophy on Nov. 25, Prince William made a surprise cameo on the Nov. 11 episode of DWTS to show his support for Robert, who couldn’t be in Brazil for the Earthshot Prize.
“We’re missing you, Robert,” William said in a video message at the time. “Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.”
Addressing Irwin’s pro partner, 32, he added, “you need to get him in as much glitter as you can.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Ten years before Robert stepped foot on the dance floor, his sister Bindi Irwin had won season 21 of the dance competition show alongside her DWTS partner, Derek Hough. So, Robert decided to dedicate a special foxtrot to Leona Lewis’ song, “Footprints in the Sand,” to his sister, who had dedicated the same song to their father during her run on the show.
“We are doing this dance for Bindi, and we are doing this dance for Prince William, so let’s not mess this up” he declared. “There’s a lot of weight because I really want it to be our best dance yet, to be honest.”
Then, when Robert was declared the winner of DWTS season 34 during the Nov. 25 finale, William joined Kate Middleton in celebrating his accomplishment, writing in the comments of one of Robert’s Instagram posts, “Congratulations Robert and Witney! ✨🪩”
