It’s hard to describe in just a few lines just how special it was here at the Royal Albert Hall tonight.
It started with a papier-mache zebra weaving through the audience, who were soon on their feet for one of many standing ovations for Sir David Attenborough this evening.
The word legend, national treasure and iconic storyteller have all been used to describe the veteran broadcaster.
And while we were spoilt for choice when it came to poignant tributes, actress Olivia Coleman perhaps put it best when she said “the world is a much better place with you in it”.
The live orchestra deserves a special mention for bringing to life so many of Sir David’s career highlights tonight. But the stand out moment was undoubtedly the surprise message from King Charles.
And what better way to end the evening than with the words of Attenborough himself, sharing the message: “What a wonderful world”.
In celebration of David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on 8 May, BBC will bring the nation together for a live event honouring his groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling.
Held on his birthday at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the event will take audiences on a journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of David’s extraordinary life. It will feature dramatic wildlife stories, accompanied by live music from his programmes, alongside spoken reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.
Accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, it will feature original compositions from some of David’s best-known landmark series. Alongside the music, guests will include some of those he has collaborated with from the world of conservation and wildlife filmmaking.