Sir David Attenborough planned a quiet 100th birthday. He couldn’t have been more wrong

Birthday wishes are in order for Sir David Attenborough, who today (Friday) turns 100. The renowned British broadcaster said he is “completely overwhelmed” by the many messages he has received over the past week ahead of his highly anticipated centenary.

“I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas,” Attenborough said in a special audio message released on Thursday (UK time).

“I have been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings, from pre-school groups to care home residents, and countless individuals and families of all ages,” he continued. “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 UK is honouring Attenborough’s birthday with a week-long string of activities and special broadcasts. This includes nature walks, tree planting, museum events and a live concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Friday’s concert will see notable British figures including Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Liz Bonnin honour his wide-ranging career and impact. Live music will punctuate the festivities, including from the BBC Concert Orchestra, Bastille frontman Dan Smith and Sigur Rós, all of whom will perform pieces that featured in some of Attenborough’s most memorable documentaries.

But perhaps most exciting of all, a new species was recently named after Attenborough. The National History Museum on Thursday (UK time) officially named a tiny parasitic wasp after him: The Attenboroughnculus tau. What better way to pay tribute to such a legendary environmentalist? The wasp joins a growing list of specimens to be named after Attenborough, including a butterfly, ghost shrimp and even a dinosaur.

It’s little surprise that Sir David has been showered with such love and adoration ahead of his 100th birthday. Since joining the BBC in 1952, he has become one of the leading voices on matters of the natural world. Hundreds of millions of people have watched his documentaries, from Life on Earth to Wild London, hypnotised by his vivid storytelling regarding the wonders and fragility of our planet.

“Your ability to communicate the beauty and vulnerability of our natural environment remains unequalled,” the late Queen Elizabeth said of Attenborough in 2019.

He has also enamoured former US President Barack Obama, David Beckham, Morgan Freeman and Billie Eilish, who recently referred to him lovingly as the “GOAT”. This sentiment is seemingly shared by the entirety of the UK given Attenborough was named Britain’s most admired man.

Yet despite his 70 years’ worth of achievements and avid following, Attenborough remains humble. “What he feels is that he’s a public servant,” producer Mike Gunton, who has worked extensively with Attenborough, told Reuters. “He feels that he had the unique opportunity to be the voice for nature, to tell everybody about the wonders of nature.”

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