Prince William Gives Radio Show Playful Warning About Robert Irwin: ‘Watch Your Back at All Times’

Prince William couldn’t help but take a playful jab at Robert Irwin ahead of his appearance on the BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show.

On Tuesday, June 24, the royal, 43, left a teasing message to radio show host Scott Mills, 51, warning him of Irwin’s proclivity for bringing out creepy crawly creatures at the most unexpected times.

“Good morning, Scott, or should I say G’day, Scott? I know you’ve got the fantastic Robert Irwin on the show this morning, [a] brilliant ambassador for the Earthshot Prize,” William said, referencing the annual event presented by The Royal Foundation that celebrates various contributions to environmentalism. “Sorry I can’t be with you both this morning, hoping to catch up with you soon.”

The Prince of Wales added that Mills was welcome to attend the upcoming event in Brazil in November 2025, promising it would be a “great show.”

“Just beware, Scott,” he continued. “Robert likes to pull random terrifying animals and creatures out of his pockets while he’s on anyone’s show and talking to them.”

William humorously added, “Just watch your back at all times [so] that a tarantula or something doesn’t suddenly pop onto your desk.”

Following the program, Irwin, 21, assured People that he had no animals hidden for his recent meeting with the royal.

“I have taken it easy on him,” the conservationist and son of late television personality Steve Irwin told the outlet. “I haven’t just whipped out any tarantulas or anything.”

Irwin also gave the prince a compliment, admitting that if there was anyone who could handle a surprise animal guest like that, it would be William.

“I mean, he’s been around wildlife from the time he was really, really young,” he shared. “I talk to him about animals, and like, he is on it. He knows exactly what’s going on. In most conversations I have with His Royal Highness, I learn something. I really do.”

He also praised William’s “genuine passion” for environmentalism and how his face “would light up” when they were recently discussing positive efforts taken during Climate Action Week in London.

“I seek out people that feel like kindred spirits, you know?” he said. “So, it’s really awesome. Really is.”

Irwin became an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize in September 2024 and he is scheduled to attend the upscale event alongside William.

It will be held in Rio De Janeiro on November 5 at the Museum of Tomorrow. According to the official website, it’s the very first time the event will be hosted in Latin America, which marks a “historic milestone that reinforces Brazil’s prominence on the global climate agenda.”