Sir David Attenborough marks his 100th birthday today with a grand celebration at the Royal Albert Hall - and news of a surprise relative.
The beloved broadcaster, who has brought the natural world into millions of homes over decades, is being honoured with an evening that promises to be truly special.
Guests at the landmark event will enjoy captivating wildlife stories and live performances of music from his iconic programmes.
Despite the grand festivities, it turns out Mr Attenborough would much rather spend his special day in a far simpler way.
Mr Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday today
|GETTY
Producer Alastair Fothergill, who has worked alongside him for four decades, shared that the national treasure isn't one for the spotlight.
He said: "He hates 'celebrity', he doesn't like that at all. He's realised he has to do it, he's realised how famous he is. But, if he could escape everything else about celebrity, he would be very pleased."
Mr Fothergill added that Mr Attenborough’s ideal birthday would involve staying home all day with a lovely glass of wine come evening.
Meanwhile, ahead of celebrating his 100th birthday, the BBC star was discovered to be related to a hero of his - Charles Darwin.
The evolutionist was revealed to be related to Mr Attenborough
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Through the global history platform MyHeritage, it was found that Mr Attenborough is the ninth cousin, three times removed of Mr Darwin.
The huge discovery pulls together Mr Darwin, who gave the world the theory of evolution, and Mr Attenborough, who has dedicated his whole life to bringing the story of life on Earth.
The discovery from MyHeritage shows that the connection between the two men is intellectual and genealogical.
Mr Attenborough has always praised Mr Darwin and has long been fascinated by his work, with the star presenting the BBC documentary Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life back in 2009.
The star has shown the world the intricate details of life on planet Earth
|BBC
Whilst wanting a quiet birthday, the naturalist said he was “completely overwhelmed” by the number of birthday messages he had received from well-wishers.
Recording a message the night before his birthday, the Blue Planet host noted: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.
“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from pre-school groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages.
“I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages. I wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow a very happy day.”
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The star will be celebrated at the Royal Albert Hall
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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was among those paying tribute to Sir David and said: “I would like to send my warmest wishes to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday.
“Like millions of people across the country and around the world, I grew up watching Sir David’s programmes.
“For decades, the nation has been captivated by his passion for nature and his remarkable contribution to public broadcasting.
“He is a true national treasure and a pioneer in his field – may his work continue to inspire people of all ages for years to come.”
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