King Charles III received a helping hand from a group of Britain's most cherished animals to deliver a special happy birthday to Sir David Attenborough.
The heartwarming short film celebrating Sir David's centenary premiered at the Royal Albert Hall this evening, depicting wildlife delivering a handwritten birthday card from His Majesty The King.
The production, titled "A Very Special Delivery," was created by BBC Studios' acclaimed Natural History Unit as part of tonight's live tribute to the beloved broadcaster.
Filming for the motion picture took place in the Library of Balmoral Castle in early April.
The charming film follows the King's birthday message, as it travels from Balmoral Castle to Sir David's London residence, carried by a remarkable relay of native creatures.
Eagles, foxes, otters, and a barn owl named Lily are among the animals enlisted to transport the royal correspondence across the British Isles, ensuring the treasured naturalist receives his special dispatch in time for his milestone celebration.
The film opens with His Majesty writing his tribute in Balmoral Castle's Library, accompanied by the Queen's playful dog Moley darting about his desk, all set to music from The King's Piper.
In the footage, King Charles reflects fondly on a friendship spanning seven decades with the renowned naturalist.
King Charles III received a helping hand from a group of Britain's most cherished animals to give a special happy birthday to Sir David Attenborough
|BBC STUDIOS NHU/BIRMINGHAM
Their bond began in 1958 when a nine-year-old then-Prince Charles, accompanied by Princess Anne, visited the set of the BBC children's programme Zoo Quest.
In the film, the King said that Sir David had "revealed the beauty and wonder of nature to audiences all around the world in new and marvellous ways" and praised him for sharing his desire to "highlight" the need to preserve the planet.
The King added: "I wish you, on behalf of the whole nation, a very happy 100th birthday."
Set to Take That's "Greatest Day," a whimsical rescue mission then unfolds as Flynn, a border collie sheepdog, orchestrates an extraordinary mission to deliver the message, involving creatures both great and small.
The complete relay features eagles, a hedgehog, a red squirrel, a flock of geese, an otter, a swan, a duck, a fox, and a deer.
The adventure concludes as Lily, a barn owl, gently posts the somewhat worn envelope—bearing the marks of teeth and beaks from its many handlers—through the letterbox of Sir David's London home.
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Set to Take That's 'Greatest Day,' a whimsical rescue mission unfolds as Flynn, a border collie sheepdog, orchestrates an extraordinary handover involving creatures both great and small
|BBC STUDIOS NHU/BIRMINGHAM
The adventure concludes as Lily, a barn owl, gently posts the somewhat worn envelope—bearing the marks of teeth and beaks from its many handlers—through the letterbox of Sir David's London home
|BBC STUDIOS NHU/BIRMINGHAM
Sir David could then be seen, in the Royal Albert Hall, holding the special letter, indicating it had reached its destination.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "His Majesty was delighted to feature in this special tribute to a man who has shared his lifetime commitment to the natural world, and has followed each stage of the filming process with great interest. He was only sorry not to meet Lily the magical barn owl in person."
The spokesman added that Queen Camilla was particularly moved by Moley's cameo appearance, keeping dog treats at the ready to encourage a cooperative performance during filming.
"The King and Queen send their warmest wishes to Sir David on his special night and hope he enjoys the resulting film as much as they enjoyed making it," the Palace confirmed.
Filming for the motion picture took place in the Library of Balmoral Castle in early April
|BBC STUDIOS NHU/BIRMINGHAM
Jack Bootle, the BBC's Head of Specialist Factual, remarked: "Sir David has spent a lifetime championing the natural world, so it seemed fitting that the natural world should do something to say 'thank you' in this unique birthday tribute."
Jonny Keeling, Head of BBC Studios Natural History Unit, added that they were "thrilled for the opportunity to create a joyful film in celebration of David’s 100th birthday".
"The team were delighted to feature His Majesty’s favourites - an owl and a red squirrel - alongside other much-loved British species, and to shine a light on the wonder and ingenuity of the animal kingdom, just as David has done so brilliantly throughout his life and career."
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