Prince William Gives Surprise Video Address at Steve Irwin Gala Amid Prince Harry's Tour in Nigeria

Prince William is helping Steve Irwin’s family continue his legacy.

On Saturday, May 11, the late star’s wife Terri Irwin, daughter Bindi Irwin and son Robert Irwin gathered in Las Vegas for Wildlife Warriors’ Steve Irwin Gala, and the Prince of Wales, 41, filmed a special video message for the occasion.

In the video — which happened thanks to a text message from Robert — William welcomed guests to the gala, “which celebrates the life and legacy of the brilliant Steve Irwin.”

“Tonight is all about conservation and continuing Steve’s global mission to protect life on our planet,” William said. “His dream was to have the cleanest water, the freshest air and wildlife in abundance. But most of all, he wanted a future for our children."

He continued, “Advocating for the preservation of life on our planet, it is a passion that I share, and it is why I launched the Earthshot Prize to search for and scale innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges. Our mission is to protect and restore our planet in this critical decade leading up to 2030.”

William also said that he is “hugely grateful” for “the Irwin family's support” of Earthshot, which he first launched in 2020. Robert, in particular, is an advocate and ambassador for the prize.

“And I'm proud to join you virtually tonight to celebrate their work through Wildlife Warriors,” William continued in his message. “Seeing the global impact of the charity, founded by Steve and Terri in 2002, brings hope for the future.”

The prince went on to say that “never before has it been so important for every single one of us to make environmentally conscious choices that will ensure the health and future of our planet.”

“I hope you have an enjoyable night, and thank you for caring about the future of our wildlife, our wild places, and our planet,” he finished the message, adding: “Together, we can make a difference."

Robert and William have combined platforms to advocate for the environment for several years now and, in November 2023, the Australian TV star shared some kind words about the royal and his conservation contributions.

“It’s hard to put into words just how massive Earthshot is for wildlife conservation, for climate action, for the world,” the 20-year-old told PEOPLE. “For Prince William, who has such a great platform, to lend his voice, his resources into creating positive change is such a refreshing, wonderful thing to see. I applaud what he is doing.”

The Prince of Wales has previously returned the praise, telling Robert in 2021 that his father would be “very proud.”

"He'd be very proud of you, Robert,” William said of Steve, who died suddenly during a diving expedition in 2006. “And what you continued. Your passion is only second to his."

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While William’s video greeted guests at the annual gala in Las Vegas, his brother, Prince Harry, was across the world on a three-day trip in Nigeria with his wife, Meghan Markle.

It marks the couple’s first international tour since stepping away from their roles as senior working royals in 2020.