A heartfelt message from Sir David
Sir David Attenborough has shared that he feels deeply moved and “completely overwhelmed” by the huge number of birthday messages he has received ahead of his 100th birthday.
In an audio message released on Thursday, the legendary broadcaster explained that he originally expected a quiet celebration. However, he said the public response has been far beyond anything he imagined.
He received messages from people of all ages, including preschool children, families, and residents in care homes. He thanked everyone warmly and said it was not possible to reply to each message individually.
Plans for the 100th birthday celebration
Sir David will turn 100 on Friday. A special event is planned in the evening at the Royal Albert Hall in London to mark the milestone.
The celebration is part of a week filled with tributes, broadcasts, and special programming highlighting his life and work in natural history.
Star studded concert at Royal Albert Hall
The evening show will bring together well known personalities and performers to honour his legacy. Guests include Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin, and Chris Packham, who will reflect on his impact on wildlife storytelling and environmental awareness.
The event will also feature live performances from the BBC Concert Orchestra, with music inspired by his most famous documentaries such as Planet Earth II and Frozen Planet II.
Music and wildlife moments on stage
The concert will revisit some of the most iconic scenes from his career. These include dramatic wildlife sequences such as ocean waves with orcas and high energy predator chases from the natural world series.
Musical performances will include Bastille frontman Dan Smith performing Pompeii, a track featured in Planet Earth III promotions. The Icelandic band Sigur Rós will also perform Hoppípolla, known from Planet Earth promotions.
Other performers include singer Sienna Spiro and harpist Francisco Yglesia.
A legacy that shaped nature storytelling
Sir David Attenborough has spent decades bringing the natural world to global audiences. His work has helped people better understand wildlife, conservation, and the planet’s fragile ecosystems.
The upcoming celebration reflects both his personal milestone and his lasting influence on environmental awareness worldwide.
