Prince George "Adored" Seeing Dinosaur Fossils with Sir David Attenborough
One of the perks of being a royal is getting to learn science from the world's leading naturalist.

Though Prince William and Kate Middleton have made it clear that they’re trying to give their children a sense of normalcy, despite growing up under the intense scrutiny that comes with being royal, there are some definite perks to being in the family. Like being shown dinosaur fossils by none other than legendary naturalist and documentarian Sir Richard Attenborough, for example.
Ahead of the first annual Earthshot Prize—an award that, starting with its inaugural ceremony this weekend, will give funds to five climate protecting innovators every year through 2030—Prince William has been sharing plenty of anecdotes with the press about what environmentalism means to his family. He told an interviewer for BBC Newscast about how 8-year-old Prince George got annoyed by litterbugs, for example. And now, he also reports that his eldest son got the opportunity to see Sir David Attenborough’s fossil collection.
Attenborough, 95, the famous voice behind the Planet Earth documentaries and a long-time environmental advocate, is a panelist for the Earthshot Prize. And he’s apparently great with the young royals, too.
“He was brilliant with the children when he met them,” William told the BBC, of Attenborough, according to Express UK. “He brought out his fossil collection and showed the children that, which, I think, George at the time absolutely adored—he got loads of dinosaur fossils.”
According to the publication, “The BBC revealed Sir Attenborough handed Prince George a fossilised shark tooth when he visited Kensington Palace in September 2020. The young Prince was said to have looked captivated as he was handed the tooth of a carcharocles megalodon, a now extinct 50-foot-long mega-toothed shark.”

It’s not surprising that kids love dinosaurs, but it’s always charming to hear that even the young royals share these universal kid interests. Earlier this year, Kate Middleton revealed that her children have a thing for airplanes, too.
Then again, with the news that Prince George is a budding environmentalist like his father and grandfather, his interest in the natural world isn’t too surprising.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. We're known for our award-winning features, thoughtful essays and op-eds, deep commitment to sustainable fashion, and buzzy interviews and reviews. Reaching millions of women every month, MarieClaire.com is an internationally-recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Sabrina Carpenter’s New Album Cover Art Is a Rorschach Test
Online takes are forgetting a valuable perspective: hers.
-
The Italian Summer Nails Trend Is Part Mediterranean, Part Mob Wife
Where coastal meets Carmela Soprano.
-
My Aura Reader Swears This Summer Nail Shade Will Help Me Manifest Money—And Love
Color coding my subconscious, as we speak.
-
The "Cheeky" Joke Prince William Made Referencing a Former Queen at Formal Windsor Castle Event
The Prince of Wales was speaking to 'Bad Sisters' star Anne-Marie Duff at the time.
-
How Prince George and Prince William's "Shared Passion" Made a Windsor Castle Event "Extra Special" for One Attendee
The father and son duo have made quite the impact.
-
Princess Eugenie Has Allegedly "Formed an Alliance" With Prince William, Which Could Impact Her Future Within the Royal Family
A "shared passion" has "brought the cousins closer together."
-
Why Princess Diana Once "Canceled Lunch" at Kensington Palace to Take Prince William and Prince Harry to McDonald's
A former royal chef revealed the relatable reason Diana took her kids to the popular fast food chain.
-
The "Staggering" Drug Smuggling Shipment Prince William Helped Intercept With the Royal Navy in 2008
William experienced "a lot of excitement and a lot of danger," per a royal expert.
-
How Prince William and Princess Kate Are "Preparing" George, Charlotte, and Louis for "Their Future Roles" Within the Royal Family
"William takes his responsibilities...very seriously," a royal expert explained.
-
Prince William and Prince Harry Could Be "Tempted" to Secretly Bid on Their Mother's Outfits in New Auction
Who could blame them?
-
The Unexpected Attribute Kate Middleton Has Been "Teased" About by Other Members of the Royal Family
It turns out she takes after The King.