Sir David Attenborough shares poignant message for 100th birthday
Sir David Attenborough has thanked his fans after being "completely overwhelmed" by the love from the public around his 100th birthday.
Sir David Attenborough has joked he expected to "celebrate his 100th birthday quietly" before the nation had other ideas.
The legendary broadcaster and naturalist turned 100 on Friday (08.05.26), and he has shared a heartfelt message with the BBC after an influx of "birthday greetings" from people across the UK.
He said: "I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.
"I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from preschool groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages."
Despite not being able to respond to each individual message, he thanked everyone for their kind words.
He added: "I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow, have a very happy day."
As part of the BBC's celebrations, BBC One and iPlayer viewers can watch a 90-minute live event special called David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth, broadcast from London's Royal Albert Hall.
Host Kirsty Young said: “Sir David’s gift to the world has been a life spent exquisitely revealing Earth’s wonders to us all.
"The very least he deserves is a big 100th birthday bash at the Royal Albert Hall! I’m very happy indeed, as the host, to be able to invite everyone to the party.”
The evening will feature "some of the most memorable wildlife moments from the BBC’s natural history archive", plus live music by the BBC Concert Orchestra from Sir David's "most iconic television series" like Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and Blue Planet, as well as "reflections from public figures and leading voices in conservation and wildlife filmmaking".
The BBC added: "As the celebrations unfold, Kirsty will be joined on stage by those who have worked with David and been inspired by his work over the years, including broadcasters Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall, Chris Packham, and Michael Palin, who will reflect on the impact of David’s work, the legacy he continues to shape and his unique ability to bring the wonders of the natural world into people’s homes."
Meanwhile, the likes of Bastille's Dan Smith, Icelandic band Sigur Ros, Sienna Spiro and harpist Francisco Yglesias will also be performing.
The BBC said: "Bringing together breathtaking wildlife imagery, live orchestral and contemporary music, and contributions from those who have worked alongside David throughout his career and those who feel passionately about the natural world, the programme celebrates not only a broadcasting legend, but a century long relationship between audiences and nature."
David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth will air on Sir David's birthday, May 8, at 8:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
