Dancing With the Stars delivered a royal cameo this week when Prince William appeared in a pre-taped video message to cheer on contestant Robert Irwin and his pro partner, Witney Carson. The unexpected check-in from the Prince of Wales caught the ballroom pair completely off guard and quickly became one of the season’s most memorable pre-show moments.
Smiling into the camera, William opened with a warm greeting that doubled as a playful nudge at Irwin’s packed schedule. “We’re missing you, Robert,” he said. “Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.” Turning to Carson, the prince added with a laugh, “You need to get him in as much glitter as you can!”
“Listen, I am trying,” Carson replied, breaking into a grin as Irwin looked on, stunned.
A Royal Pep Talk On DWTS
The cameo arrived as Irwin, a longtime conservation advocate and television personality, continues his DWTS run with Carson. The moment was equal parts lighthearted and sincere, with the prince wishing the pair well in the competition and offering a candid vote of confidence. “Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it,” William said before signing off. “So, just the best of luck on the show.”
Irwin, visibly moved, responded, “Means the absolute world, thank you so much. See you soon.” As the call ended, both he and Carson tried to process the surprise. “I can’t believe he just said my name!” Carson exclaimed, while Irwin promised to channel the boost into their upcoming routine.
That performance, a Foxtrot set to Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand,” carries personal significance for Irwin’s family as well. He revealed he would dedicate the dance to both Prince William and his sister, Bindi Irwin, who famously performed to the same song during her winning DWTS season. “So let’s not mess this up,” he told Carson, underscoring the emotional stakes behind the week’s choreography.
The Earthshot Connection
William’s appearance wasn’t just a goodwill gesture; it also reflected a shared mission that extends well beyond the ballroom. Irwin serves as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, the environmental initiative founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation to accelerate practical, scalable solutions to the planet’s most urgent challenges. Each year, five winning projects receive £1 million apiece to help expand their impact.
Irwin asked the prince “How was Rio?” during the call, referencing Earthshot’s Nov. 5 awards ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. The conservationist had to miss this year’s event because of his DWTS commitments, an absence William clearly understood—and turned into a chance to cheer him on publicly. Irwin attended last year’s Earthshot ceremony in Cape Town and has since developed a close rapport with the royal through their shared conservation work.
The friendly exchange underscored how DWTS can spotlight contestants’ passions outside the studio. For Irwin, who continues the legacy of his late father, wildlife icon Steve Irwin, the show has doubled as a high-profile platform for environmental advocacy—now with an on-air royal endorsement.
How The Surprise Came Together
So how did DWTS land a princely pep talk? According to #ShuterScoop’s Rob Shuter, the idea came straight from William. A palace insider told the outlet the prince “wanted to do something unexpected—warm, human, and joyful.” He reportedly told aides, “Robert’s out there dancing his heart out for the planet—the least I can do is cheer him on.”
Another source said the cameo was filmed just hours before the live taping, and ABC executives were sworn to secrecy to preserve the surprise for both the audience and the couple on the floor. The insider added that William is “incredibly fond of the Irwins,” noting he sees Robert as carrying forward Steve Irwin’s legacy—something the prince deeply respects.
The timing and tone of the message fit seamlessly with DWTS’ tradition of personal packages that give viewers a window into competitors’ lives. Here, the royal touch amplified both the show’s star power and Irwin’s offstage work, all while keeping the focus on the foxtrot ahead.
Beyond the spectacle, the appearance highlighted a rare intersection of royal duty and primetime entertainment: a quick, personable moment that reinforced William’s environmental priorities while boosting a contestant who’s championing the same cause. For DWTS, it was a savvy blend of showmanship and substance; for Irwin, it was a motivating nod from a collaborator who knows exactly what he missed to be in the ballroom.
As the season rolls on, the video message stands as a standout entry in DWTS’ long history of heartfelt surprises. Whether it translates into mirrorball momentum remains to be seen, but the pep talk clearly landed with its intended effect: a grateful contestant, an energized pro partner, and a rare royal shoutout that lit up the dance floor before a single step was taken.
