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.
-
Prince Andrew's Business Advisor Accused of Being a "Spy" and Banned From the U.K.
"We found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Allegedly Rejected Idea to Seat Prince Andrew "Behind a Pillar" at Her Christmas Carol Concert
"Although very much a family affair... there was no space for Uncle Andy."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
32 Celebrities Who Got Their Start on Reality TV
Believe it or not.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Reveals the One Embarrassing Christmas Tradition He's Totally Against
"Some people don't even own one."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Kate Middleton and Prince William's Decision to "Take the Lead" Is a "Relief" For King Charles, Royal Expert Explains
"We have had a glimpse of the future..."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Buckingham Palace Responds After Royal Family Maid Is Arrested at "Out of Control" Christmas Party
"I've never seen one person get that crazy during a night out," a source claimed.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are Experiencing "Calm Before the Storm" as They Prep for Throne
"They are next in line for the biggest job of their lives," a source says.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Every Time the Royal Family Broke Protocol in 2024, From Minor Rule Changes to Huge Mistakes
Meet the usual suspects: King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Queen Camilla's Son Reveals He "Learned a Long Time Ago" to Stay Out of Prince William and Prince Harry's "World"
Tom Parker Bowles said "it was appalling what they went through."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Royal Expert Says King Charles Finds it "Tough" to "Play Second Fiddle" to Prince William These Days
"Time and again recently, William has grabbed the headlines."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Prince William Is Allegedly Still "Very, Very Angry" About Royal Rift, But Kate Middleton Is Pushing For "Reconciliation"
"Never give up hope, there's always a chance."
By Amy Mackelden Published