Attenborough at 100: Prince William congratulates Sir David on 'remarkable milestone'

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Attenborough at 100: Prince William congratulates Sir David on 'remarkable milestone'5 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleSteven McIntoshEntertainment reporterBBC StudiosPrince William was seated next to Sir DavidPrince William has congratulated Sir David Attenborough on reaching a "remarkable milestone", as the broadcaster and environmentalist celebrated his 100th birthday. Sir David's seven-decade career was marked with a night of memories, live music and special guests at a special concert at London's Royal Albert Hall on Friday. "It is a rare privilege to celebrate a century of life," Prince William said, "but it is rarer still when that person has transformed the way we see the only home that we have - planet Earth.

"Meanwhile, a cast of helpers from the natural world helped deliver a card written by King Charles from Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire to Sir David's hands at the concert in London. Birthday messages from a string of listers including Leonardo DiCaprio and Dame Judi Dench were played on screen during the show. Guests joining host Kirsty Young on stage included broadcaster Sir Michael Palin, a friend of Sir David's, while there were performances from musicians including Sigur Rós and Bastille's Dan Smith.

The Details

King Charles sends a birthday message with help from 'friends'In a pre-recorded video, the King was seen writing his letter to Sir David, which said he and the Queen sent their "warmest congratulations on such a special occasion". Over the decades, the King continued, Sir David had "revealed the beauty and wonders of nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways". "In so doing, you have shared my determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious planet of ours - and all life on Earth - for future generations.

"Thank you for all that you have done, and on behalf of the whole nation, I wish you a very happy 100th birthday. "The Queen's dog, Moley was seen scampering around the King's feet as he composed the letter, and recounted his seven-decade friendship with the broadcaster. StudiosA string of helpers from the animal kingdom helped deliver the King's message to Sir David in LondonBBC StudiosSir David, seated next to Prince William, received a standing ovation as he held up the King's letter King Charles first met Sir David in the 1958 as a nine-year-old, when he visited the set of children's programme Zoo Quest - which gave Sir David his big break as a TV presenter.

The King noted their encounter came "almost a decade before the age of colour television, and of course our paths have crossed many times since". Sending the letter on its way, viewers watched as it encountered a series of obstacles along the way, staring with a fallen tree in the road. But a string of helpers from the animal kingdom, including eagles, a hedgehog, a red squirrel and a flock of geese, were seen delivering the letter down the British isles.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.