But Attenborough’s relationship with the monarchy isn’t just professional: it’s also personal.

With his legendary voice and unabashed zeal for the natural world, he became a global sensation.

And although Attenborough is internationally beloved, the royals remain his biggest fans.

Queen Elizabeth and David Attenborough

At the 2016 Tusk Conservation Awards, Prince William lauded Attenborough and championed the impact of his filmography.

All the while, she leaned on allies like David Attenborough who helped make decisions regarding her public image.

Despite their disagreement over “Royal Family,” Attenborough always looked out for Elizabeth’s best interests.

Young David Attenborough smiling

“It was a room with green wallpaper so I dismissed all the green stuff.

To the children’s delight, they even got to hold Cocky.

“The cockatoo, little Cocky, is sitting on his hand.

David Attenborough, Prince Charles, and Princess Anne with cockatoo

Attenborough also noted that Charles' love for the planet was evident at an early age.

Henceforth, he was known by the esteemed title of Sir David Attenborough.

Of course, the details of knighthood have changed considerably since medieval days.

David Attenborough displaying his knight insignia

Attenborough was knighted again in 2022 at age 96.

The filmmaker was selected for this high honor due to his impeccable work in broadcasting and environmentalism.

And thanks to her camaraderie with Attenborough, the royal had plenty of expert guidance.

David Attenborough and Queen Elizabeth smiling

The film was narrated by Attenborough and highlighted various conservation efforts throughout the Commonwealth.

“The Queen’s Green Planet” wasn’t the first time Attenborough collaborated with the monarch.

The duo also worked together on Elizabeth’s annual Christmas Day address, with Attenborough serving as a producer.

David Attenborough speaking at a podium

Through this partnership, the pair spread untold amounts of holiday cheer.

“And if it had a funny side, she was quick to see the joke.”

To celebrate the occasion, Buckingham Palace hosted three days of festivities.

David Attenborough looking on

The queen’s birthday bash included a parade, a street party, and lots of public appearances.

Outside the palace, massive crowds lined the streets toting celebratory balloons, banners, and flags.

Peers and family members traveled from faraway places to join in on the celebration.

David Attenborough and King Charles

Inside the church, luminaries paid tribute to the monarch with speeches and prayers.

Elizabeth’s old pal, David Attenborough, took the stage to deliver a special salute.

Attenborough’s presence at the celebration was a testament to his deep friendship with the royal.

David Attenborough and Prince William

Plus, it highlighted another commonality between them: both were born in 1926.

“She was an expert at getting people to relax,” the broadcaster shared (via theMirror).

He also noted that if she was amused by something, she let it be known.

Princess Catherine, Prince William, David Attenborough

“But now everybody realizes that the future of humanity is dependent upon a healthy natural world.”

The pair have embarked on several projects together.

Since then, their working relationship has blossomed and so has their mutual respect.

Princess Catherine with David Attenborough

Attenborough co-hosted the series and shared his expert commentary on the matter.

And despite their youth,the royal children are already masters at stealing the show.

George kicked things off by asking Attenborough which animal would go extinct next.

The naturalist explained in kid-friendly terms that the conservation process requires help from donors and government officials.

Next, Attenborough chatted with Charlotte about spiders and revealed to Louis that monkeys are his favorite animals.

But despite being the subject of endless fanfare, the princess was star-struck when she met David Attenborough.

“Throughout the evening, they chatted and shared some laughs.

In 2017, the naturalist and the princess were seen hobnobbing at another Natural History Museum event.

Two years later, Catherine joined Attenborough and Prince William at the commissioning of the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

The princess spoke at the event, sending her blessings to the ship and crew.

During Attenborough’s speech, he reminded the audience about the importance of addressing environmental issues.

In early 2020, Catherine met with a group of elementary schoolers via video chat.