David Attenborough has built an incredible fanbase over a career spanning more than 70 years. As the UK - including King Charles and Prince Harry - comes together to celebrate the legendary star's 100th's birthday, we're taking a closer look at the broadcaster's family life.
The Planet Earth presenter welcomed his son Richard and daughter Susan with his late wife, Jane Ebsworth Oriel. Although they both stay out of the spotlight, the pair have still followed in their father's footsteps, with Richard becoming a teacher in bioanthropology while Susan now works alongside her dad.
Growing up, David was sometimes an absent father as his career took him all over the globe, something he would later reflect on. In 2017, the Planet Earth presenter told the Radio Times: "If I do have regrets, it is that when my children were the same age as your children, I was away for three months at a time.
© Getty Images for National Geogra"If you have a child of six or eight and you miss three months of his or her life, it's irreplaceable; you miss something."
Robert Attenborough
Robert is currently in the Department of Archaeology at the University of Cambridge. His research is listed as: "Human population biology and health, especially in New Guinea. Evolutionary and behavioural anthropology."
In an interview with the Times, David recalled the time he gifted Robert a pet salamander for his birthday. "We unpacked this - it came in a box - I took it out and showed him," he explained.
© PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo"I said, 'Now there you are.' This thing just sat on his hand. I said, 'Put him in his new home.' He put him in his new home, and it very slowly walked down to the water, and there out from beneath its tail came a little one. My son looked at that with his eyes coming out of his head - as did I."
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Susan Attenborough
Susan used to be the head of a primary school, but these days she works with her father, occupying a role that had previously been filled by her late mother.
© PA Images / Alamy Stock PhotoSusan often stops in with her father, helping the 98-year-old with his shopping. Speaking in 2009, David said Susan would come and "muck him out" including cooking shepherd's pies for her father.
However, in 2017, the star revealed his biggest fear concerned his children. "I'm scared of becoming an appalling encumbrance on my children," he told Stylist magazine.
© PA Images / Alamy Stock PhotoDavid Attenborough's milestone
The natural historian is celebrating his 100th birthday in style. The King and Queen, alongside Sir David Beckham, have led tributes in honor of his big milestone.
On the official royal Instagram page, King Charles and Queen Camilla uploaded a selection of photos showcasing the legendary naturalist over the years, writing: "Wishing Sir David Attenborough a very happy 100th birthday. Enjoy your special celebration this evening!"
© GettyFootball legend Sir David Beckham also took to his own Instagram account to celebrate the broadcaster, sharing a post with the heartfelt caption: "Happy 100th Birthday to our National Treasure."
The birthday celebrations will culminate in a massive live event at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring live performances of the iconic musical scores from his legendary nature documentaries, as well as speeches and anecdotes from prominent public figures and leading conservationists dedicated to protecting the planet.
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesIn a message released the night before his birthday, Sir David expressed his deep gratitude for the overwhelming wave of public affection.
He said: "I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages. I wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow a very happy day."
