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How Prince William’s Surprise ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Cameo for Robert Irwin Really Happened
Fans of Dancing With the Stars got a royal surprise this week when Prince William himself popped up on screen during the show — all to cheer on contestant Robert Irwin. The Prince of Wales appeared via video chat in a pre-taped segment that left both Irwin and his partner, pro dancer Witney Carson, completely stunned.
“We’re missing you, Robert,” William said with a smile. “Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.” Turning to Carson, he joked, “You need to get him in as much glitter as you can!”
“Listen, I am trying,” Carson laughed in response.
Irwin, who serves as an ambassador for the Prince’s environmental initiative, the Earthshot Prize, had to miss the organization’s Nov. 5 awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro due to his DWTS schedule. “How was Rio?” he asked William during the call.
The Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation, spotlights innovative environmental solutions from around the world, awarding five winning projects £1 million each to help scale their work. Irwin, son of the late wildlife legend Steve Irwin, attended last year’s Earthshot ceremony in Cape Town and has since formed a close friendship with the prince.
“Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it,” William told Irwin and Carson before signing off. “So, just the best of luck on the show.”
“Means the absolute world, thank you so much,” Irwin replied, visibly emotional. “See you soon.”
Once the call ended, both Irwin and Carson were in disbelief. “I can’t believe he just said my name!” Carson said, while Irwin promised to dedicate their Foxtrot — set to Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand” — to both Prince William and his sister, Bindi Irwin, who danced to the same song during her winning DWTS season. “So let’s not mess this up,” he told Carson.
So how did Dancing With the Stars manage to book a royal cameo? According to #ShuterScoop’s Rob Shuter, William personally orchestrated the surprise. “William wanted to do something unexpected—warm, human, and joyful,” a palace insider revealed. “He told aides, ‘Robert’s out there dancing his heart out for the planet—the least I can do is cheer him on.’”
Another source added that the prince’s cameo was filmed just hours before the live taping, with ABC executives “sworn to secrecy” to keep the moment authentic. “He’s incredibly fond of the Irwins,” the insider added. “He sees Robert as carrying on his father Steve’s legacy—and that’s something William deeply respects.”
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