David Attenborough says he is 'overwhelmed' by 100th birthday messages
He added: "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."The Duke of Sussex is among the well-wishers, and called Sir David a "secular saint", external in an article in Time.com."His most significant contribution has been the systematic dismantling of the notion that climate issues are happening 'somewhere else'," he said."Young people continue to listen to him not just for the spectacle of nature, but for a sense of continuity in an unstable world."TV naturalist and presenter Chris Packham wrote in The Big Issue, external: "I don't think that any person in the entire history of our species has made such a significant contribution to engaging people and developing a love for all of life on Earth as David Attenborough."Actor Sir Ian McKellen added, external that Sir David "sums up what was best about the BBC" with "serious programmes made for a popular audience"."His ability to communicate his own enthusiasms are very precious and he's brought such joy to so many people," he said. "And I think, along with a lot of people, my favourite television programmes are probably natural history."Friday evening's show at the Royal Albert Hall is the climax of a week of special events and broadcast programming in honour of Sir David, who was born in 1926 and joined the BBC in 1952.
