Prince William Surprises Robert Irwin on Dancing with Stars

Prince William, the Prince of Wales, made an unexpected appearance on Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday night, surprising contestant Robert Irwin and offering his encouragement during the show’s 20th anniversary episode.

The 43-year-old royal joined the broadcast via video message to support Irwin, 21, who is an Earthshot Prize ambassador for William’s environmental initiative. The program seeks innovative solutions to repair and protect the planet.

Irwin had initially been scheduled to attend the Earthshot Prize awards in Rio de Janeiro on Nov. 5. During the segment, he told his dancing partner, Witney Carson, that he had to tell the Prince, “Sorry, I can’t make it. I’m still here.”

In response, William appeared on screen and said, “We’re missing you, Robert. Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.” He encouraged Carson to “get him in as much glitter as you can” and added, “Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it. So, just the best of luck on the show.”

Carson admitted her amazement, saying, “I can’t believe he just said my name.”

For the night’s performance, Irwin dedicated his foxtrot to his sister, Bindi Irwin, 27, and performed to Leona Lewis’s Footprints in the Sand. Bindi had previously danced to the same song on Season 21 of DWTS, which she won with professional dancer Derek Hough.

“This dance is for Bindi, and we are doing this dance for Prince William, so let’s not mess this up,” Robert said before performing. Bindi joined her brother and Carson on stage at the end of the number. Together, they wrapped their arms around each other before kneeling as scenes of their childhood with their late father, Steve Irwin, were projected onto the ballroom floor.

The performance earned Irwin and Carson a perfect score of 40, honoring Steve Irwin’s legacy and creating an emotional moment for both siblings.

After the show, Robert shared the performance on Instagram, reflecting on the significance of the dance. “Tonight was healing. This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful. I carry Dad’s legacy with me in everything I do, and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him,” he wrote.

He continued, “Thank you @bindisueirwin for inspiring us with your freestyle to this song, and thank you @witneycarson for once again choreographing such a beautiful story through dance and for creating a space for me to convey raw emotions that I’ve never gotten to share before. I’m a proud Wildlife Warrior, and I’ll always carry on my dad’s mission. I’m so grateful that I can do that in the ballroom.”

The surprise appearance by Prince William and the tribute to Steve Irwin highlighted both the emotional and inspirational power of the show, leaving fans and participants alike deeply moved.