Prince William left a voice note that was played during the Scott Mills Breakfast Show on Radio 2, much to the surprise of a guest on the show, the conservationist Robert Irwin

Prince William left a voice note for BBC Radio 2 (Image: PA)

Prince William interrupted BBC Radio 2 by leaving a voicenote with a cheeky warning about a stunned guest. The Prince of Wales recorded the message for the Scott Mills Breakfast Show – to highlight the Earthshot Prize – a global environmental award of which he is founder and president.

Also appearing on the show this morning was conservationist and presenter Robert Irwin, who was in the studio with Mills to answer voicenotes with animal-themed questions from children. Irwin, who is the son of the late Australian conservationist Steve Irwin, was told by Scott there was just one voice note left to be played and was shocked to hear that it was none other than William.

William with conservationist Robert Irwin (Image: Getty Images)

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William said: “Good morning, Scott, or should I say G’day, Scott? I know you’ve got the fantastic Robert Irwin on the show this morning, brilliant ambassador for the Earthshot Prize. Sorry, I can’t be with you both this morning, hoping to catch up with you soon.”

The prince went on: “You’re very much invited to the Earthshot Prize in Rio in Brazil in November. It’s going to be a fantastic event, great show. Just beware Scott, that Robert likes to pull random terrifying animals and creatures out of his pockets while he’s on anyone’s show and talking to them.

“So just watch your back at all times that a tarantula or something doesn’t suddenly pop onto your desk. But listen, have a good show, and hope to catch up with you both very soon. Goodbye.”

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Robert, who is an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, was left laughing by the message. He also spoke to Scott about continuing his father’s legacy as a committed conservationist.

Each year, five winners are awarded the Earthshot Prize from a shortlist of 15. On its website, it describes Brazil as being a fitting place to host the prize in November, as it is home to more than half of the Amazon rainforest and nearly a fifth of the world ’s biodiversity.

William and Robert together with other Earthshot Prize supporters(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

William’s voice note for Irwin comes just days after he exclusively told the Mirror that the prince’s global mission to help save the planet is needed “more than ever before”.

The 21-year-old Australian told how William’s environmental Earthshot Prize awards – aiming over the next decade to discover and scale innovative planet-saving solutions – has brought “hope” and a sense of “urgent optimism” to communities around the world threatened by climate change.

In an exclusive interview, Robert said: “I love being around passionate people, it inspires me. The prince is just that – passionate, curious and thoughtful. I’ve been fortunate enough to share many great discussions about the things we love about the natural world. And it’s clear that he has a profound love for wildlife and wild places.”

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Robert, known around the world for continuing his father’s legacy by running Australia Zoo and highlighting global conservation efforts with his frequent TV appearances, last year became an ambassador for William’s project, helping to spread his message of hope.

He added: “The Earthshot Prize really stands out as a global mission that leads with a sense of hope. And let’s be real, we need hope more than ever before. We also need solutions to the big issues that face our precious planet and the project exemplifies a sense of urgent optimism.

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“I have the privilege of carrying on a conservation legacy that my dad and my family created, and that is something very important to me. It makes me feel incredibly excited and hopeful when I get to join forces with like-minded causes dedicated to making the world a better place. To be part of an initiative that shares the values of our own charity efforts through Wildlife Warriors is a great honour.”

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