A royal honour

The naturalist was honoured with the Order of Merit award by Queen Elizabeth II in 2005.

It's awarded to those who have shown exceptional merit in the arts, learning, literature and science or public service.

He said at the time: “How could anyone believe they actually deserved something like this? I can only think that it is because I have been able to reach so many people through television.”

He would continue to have a strong relationship with the late monarch, and even appeared on TV together.