Royal watchers were left stunned when Prince William made an unexpected video appearance on American television programme Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday evening.
The 43-year-old future king connected via video link to offer encouragement to Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old conservationist and son of the late wildlife expert Steve Irwin.
During the pre-recorded segment, William playfully addressed the young Australian competitor, referring to him as "twinkle toes" whilst expressing his support for Mr Irwin's dancing journey.
The Prince's surprise cameo occurred during a special episode celebrating the ABC programme's two decades on air.
Prince William leaves US viewers stunned with surprise Dancing with the Stars cameo
|ABC
William's message conveyed his disappointment at Mr Irwin's absence from the recent Earthshot Prize ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
"We're missing you, Robert. Whilst your 'twinkle toes' are going off elsewhere, I need you down here," William said during the video call.
He also addressed Mr Irwin's professional dance partner, saying: "Witney, you need to get him in as much glitter as you can. You guys have got a seriously good chance of winning it."
Ms Carson appeared visibly moved by the royal interaction, exclaiming: "I can't believe he just said my name."
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson speaking to William
|ABC
Social media erupted with astonishment, as one viewer posted: "Prince William on #DWTS was not on my bingo card."
The young conservationist serves as a global ambassador for William's Earthshot Prize, an environmental initiative established by the Prince and The Royal Foundation to address pressing ecological challenges.
Mr Irwin had been scheduled to attend the awards ceremony in Brazil on November 5, but remained in America due to his ongoing participation in the dance competition.
This marked the second time in recent months that William has reached out to support Mr Irwin.
Prince William was introduced as 'founder of the Earthshot Prize'
|ABC
In June, the Prince sent a voice message during Mr Irwin's appearance on BBC Radio 2, describing him as a "brilliant ambassador for the Earthshot Prize."
Following his chat with the Prince, Mr Irwin delivered an emotional Foxtrot routine to Leona Lewis's "Footprints in the Sand" alongside Ms Carson.
The performance, which paid tribute to his father who died in 2006, earned the pair their highest marks of the series.
Prince William appeared via video link on the programme
|ABC
The judges awarded them a perfect score, marking Irwin's first flawless result since joining the competition.
The achievement came during a milestone broadcast for the American dance programme, which was commemorating its 20th anniversary on television.
Mr Irwin had earlier asked William about his recent trip to Rio, acknowledging his own absence from the environmental awards ceremony.