Sir David Attenborough says he’s ‘overwhelmed by birthday greetings’ forward of turning 100 tomorrow
Sir David Attenborough said he has been ‘completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings’ as he thanked well wishers ‘most sincerely’ ahead of his centenary.
The BBC will mark the veteran broadcaster’s 100th birthday with a 90-minute live event at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday.
Among the famous faces who will celebrate Mr Attenborough’s centenary during the event are Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham.
The celebrations will focus on his life and career as a broadcaster and documentary maker.
In an audio message ahead of his 100th birthday on Friday, Mr Attenborough said: ‘I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.
‘I have been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from pre-school groups to care home residents, and countless individuals and families of all ages.
‘I simply can’t reply to each of you separately, but I’d like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages, and wish those of you who have planned your own local events: Have a very happy day.’
According to the BBC, Friday evening’s celebrations will be the ‘climax of a week of special events and broadcast programming in honour of Sir David’.
The BBC will mark the veteran broadcaster’s 100th birthday with a 90-minute live event at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday
The celebrations will focus on his life and career as a broadcaster and documentary maker
Pictured: Sir David with his wife Jane Oriel on their wedding day at St. Anne’s Church, Kew Green, on February 11, 1950
Mr Attenborough, who was knighted by the Queen at an investiture at Buckingham Palace with his wife Jane (right) and daughter Susan, on July 30, 1985
The veteran broadcaster’s ‘groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling’ will be ‘honoured’ during the show, which begins at 7.30pm.
It will feature a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world seen through the prism of Sir David’s life as well as wildlife stories and live music from his programmes.
Celebrity guests will make appearances during the show with the BBC Concert Orchestra performing original compositions, conducted by Jérôme Kuhn.
The Royal Albert Hall website states: ‘In celebration of David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on 8 May, BBC will bring the nation together for a live event honouring his groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling.
‘Held on his birthday at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the event will take audiences on a journey through a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of David’s extraordinary life.
‘It will feature dramatic wildlife stories, accompanied by live music from his programmes, alongside spoken reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.
‘Accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, it will feature original compositions from some of David’s best-known landmark series.
‘Alongside the music, guests will include some of those he has collaborated with from the world of conservation and wildlife filmmaking.’
