Prince William joined forces with Robert Irwin to raise awareness and solutions for environmental issues at the Earthshot Prize event in June 2026 (see above), but some social media users were unimpressed by the heir to the British throne’s treatment of the young conservationist. After the event, which was held in London during a record-breaking heatwave, a clip of Robert looking for a shady spot circulated on social media, where netizens criticized William for taking off in a car and leaving his friend behind. But that’s not the full picture.
The video shows it briefly Robert, the son of famed Australian conservationist Steve Irwinstep away from the sun and possibly have a drink in your hand. “Prince William left Robert behind in the fading sun as he got into his car and left. Look at Robert Irwin, sweaty looking for some shade while waiting for a taxi,” one netizen further ranted. X. Others had a similar opinion, suggesting that William could have given Robert a lift. “William could have dropped it off wherever his car was instead of leaving it on the street in this heat,” said a second X user argued. However, it appears that internet users committed a violation even though nothing was taken.
Robert Irwin takes part in the Prince William Climate Summit in London. Today he got William’s royal treatment. After the meeting and photo opportunity ended, Prince William left Robert in the fading sun as he got into his car and left. Look at Robert Irwin all sweaty trying…
— Nina (@ShakeLS) June 23, 2026
Robert had nothing but praise for William after the Eartshot Prize. “He’s really, I think, one of the greatest environmentalists we have on the planet. He’s amazing,” he said on “This Morning” the next day (via Mirror). Additionally, he highlighted a personality trait in William that counters the snotty image of social media users. “He’s just a down-to-earth person,” he added. It looks like their bromance remains intact.
Prince William and Robert Irwin became friends in 2024
Prince William and Robert Irwin first met in South Africa in November 2024, when they walked together around Signal Hill (see above) to raise awareness of the work of conservation rangers. William, a passionate conservationistAnd Robert, who continues Steve Irwin’s legacy with sister Bindi Irwinformed a friendship over their shared love of the environment. Robert, who had been named Global Ambassador for William’s Earthshot Prize that year, was keen to work with someone like William. “I think it’s great that someone so influential – who has such a fantastic platform – is using that to really improve our environment,” he said. We weekly in June 2025.
Later, William proved that his admiration for Robert extended beyond their shared work commitments. In November 2025, Robert was rehearsing for “Dancing with the Stars” with partner Witney Carson when he received a video call from William, who wanted to wish him luck. That year, Robert missed the Earthshot Prize event due to the competition. “We miss you, Robert,” the prince said via FaceTime (via The times). “While your sparkly toes go elsewhere, I need him here. Witney, I want you to give him as much glitter as you can.”
In addition to his own excitement about the prince’s phone call, Robert thought William’s actions were meaningful because he introduced their conservation message to the fans of “Dancing with the Stars.” “(He is) someone who knows how important conservation is to reach different audiences,” he said in the interview with This Morning.
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