The King has paid tribute to Sir David Attenborough on his 100th birthday, with a little help from the Queen's rescue dog Moley and a host of furry and feathered friends from across the animal kingdom.
In a surprise film clip shown at a gala evening to celebrate the legendary naturalist at the Royal Albert Hall, the monarch is seen calling to the Jack Russell cross, who follows him to his desk in the library at Balmoral.
"Ready? Come on, good girl," he tells her, before sitting down to write Sir David's birthday card.
"Dear David," he says. "My wife and I are delighted to learn that you will be celebrating your 100th birthday on May 8 and wanted to send you our warmest congratulations on such a special occasion.
"It is amazing to think that you and I have known one another for more than 60 years. Indeed, I believe that we first met in 1958, almost a decade before the age of colour television, and of course our paths have crossed many times since."
Charles, who wore a suitably themed tie featuring elephants for the film, is seen sealing his handwritten message in an envelope before passing it to his butler Tony, who has served with the Royal Household for 30 years, and who carries it out on a silver platter as Moley scampers around his feet.
"Over those decades you have revealed the beauty and wonders of Nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways," the King continues. "In so doing, you have shared my determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious planet of ours and all life on Earth for future generations.
"Thank you then, for all that you have done and on behalf of the whole nation I wish you a very happy 100th birthday."
The envelope is next seen on the dashboard of a Land Rover driven by Benjamin Hartley, whose route is blocked by a fallen tree trunk. Flynn the sheepdog saves the day, however, carrying it across in its mouth.
The card then begins its journey across land and sea in the mouths and beaks of an array of wild animals, including a sea eagle, golden eagle, goose, duck and swan.
The relay continues with a red squirrel, a hedgehog — who carries it between its spines — a sea otter, a fox and a deer.
The envelope finally reaches its destination, with an owl called Lily delivering it through Sir David's letter box.
The BBC's Natural History Unit worked with the Palace to produce the film, titled "A Very Special Delivery" and carefully chose which animals to include. The King personally requested some of his favourite species, including the owl and an endangered red squirrel.
The Balmoral scenes were filmed by BAFTA award winning cinematographer, Tim Cragg in early April and give us a glimpse into the King's inner sanctum there.
Behind his desk are photographs of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II and a pair of snowy owl figures appear on the desk itself.
The King was "very generous with his time and enjoyed the acting that was required to land the right note of contemplation," said Mike Davis, Executive Producer at BBC Studios Natural History Unit.
"It’s a real labour of love as the team wanted to produce something that was cinematic, funny, uplifting, heartwarming and memorable, given the special occasion."
Moley's starring role echoes the appearance of the late Queen's beloved Corgis in her famous James Bond clip, filmed for the London 2012 Games opening ceremony.
"An unexpected star was Their Majesties' young dog Moley, a mischievous but lovable Jack Russell Terrier cross, who kept the crew entertained," said Mike.
"She sat patiently at His Majesty's feet whilst he wrote the birthday message and scampered after the butler as he ferried the letter on the silver salver along the hallway. It added an element of fun to the whole scene both on and off camera."
Moley, a Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua and Jack Russell cross was born in December 2024 and Camilla adopted her from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in March last year. She joins her 14-year-old Jack Russell Bluebell, who was also rescued by the charity.
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