Prince William Makes Dancing With the Stars Debut

Prince William has made his royal mark in the ballroom.

On November 11th, during a special 20th anniversary episode of Dancing With the Stars, Prince William unexpectedly appeared via video call to offer some encouraging words to Robert Irwin and his partner, Witney Carson.

“You have a really great shot at winning,” William told the duo during a FaceTime call featured in their pre-performance video. “I wish you the best of luck on the show!”

The future king jokingly ribbed the conservationist for missing the Earthshot Prize Awards in Rio de Janeiro on November 5th, an event dedicated to environmental solutions.

“We really miss you, Robert,” William said. “While you’re off doing other things, I need your help here.”

To Witney, he added, “You need to get him in as much glitter as you can.”

Robert was thrilled to receive a virtual message from William, but that wasn’t the only heartwarming visit he had this week. His sister, Bindi Irwin – who won ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2015 with Derek Hough – came to see him along with her five-year-old daughter, Grace Warrior.

The 27-year-old then joined Robert on the dance floor, appearing at the end of his and Witney’s foxtrot. They danced to Leona Lewis’s “Footprints in the Sand,” a song she herself had performed to during a previous season of the show.

It was so emotional watching this week’s show! After the dance, a video of Robert and Bindi’s dad, Steve Irwin, unexpectedly played, and it completely broke Robert down. It was beautiful to see Witney and Bindi immediately rush over and comfort him – a really touching moment that I won’t forget.

Derek, a judge on the show, shared how much it meant to him to be a part of Robert Irwin’s journey. He explained that Robert reminded him of his father, Steve Irwin, who lived life with incredible energy and passion. He and the other judges gave Robert and his partner Witney a perfect score – the first of the season – because Robert embodies that same joy and enthusiasm for a new generation.