London celebrated the legendary nature documentarian and environmentalist David Attenborough's hundredth birthday on Friday. The special gala event, titled "David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth," held at the Royal Albert Hall and broadcast by the BBC, saw the participation of 5,000 attendees. Many artistic and political figures who have witnessed Attenborough's lifelong achievements and impact took the stage.

In honor of Sir David's actual birthday, Prince William, Monty Python legend Michael Palin, Bastille frontman Dan Smith, the famous Icelandic band Sigur Rós, singer Sienna Spiro, and scientists Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham, and Anna Dimitriadis were present on stage. Dimitriadis received applause from the crowd after locating Benedict Cumberbatch with a thermal camera.

One of the congratulatory messages led by King Charles III included a birthday letter delivered to Attenborough with the help of various animals like hedgehogs. The short film titled "A Very Special Delivery," prepared by BBC Studios' natural history department, presented the royal family's greetings in a delightful manner, bringing smiles to the audience.

Hollywood stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Olivia Colman, composer Hans Zimmer, and Paddington Bear sent celebration messages via video. Documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, among other distinguished figures from the arts and politics, spoke fondly of Attenborough's achievements.

This event served as a gathering to celebrate David Attenborough's successful career over a century. The segment of the program that aired on the BBC after a slight delay connected millions to their screens and provided viewers worldwide with a deeper understanding of Attenborough's life and legacy.