David Attenborough live: 100-year-old broadcaster receives standing ovation at birthday bash

The delightful Sir Michael Palin took to the stage to talk about getting competitive with Sir David Attenborough – before presenting the birthday broadcaster with a chunk of Mount Everest (the one place Sir David has never made it to) dating back to 1926, the year he was born.

Unfortunately, Kirsty Young broke the news that the slab of mountain had to return to the Natural History Museum, with it having popped out for the night.

If you’ve ever wondered what Benedict Cumberbatch looked like in infrared vision, now you don’t have to – as he’ll also be haunting your nightmares thanks to the BBC.

TV presenter Anna Demetriou was showing off some of the latest camera technology, which detects heat and is used by cameramen to film animals at night, when she took the opportunity to find Benedict Cumberbatch in the crowd.

“You look quite hot,” she said. Steady on, Anna – his wife is right there!

While everyone turning 100 receives a handwritten letter from the King, Sir David Attenborough obviously didn’t get your bog-standard centenarian treatment.

In a VT, viewers watched as King Charles III sent his “warmest congratulations” to the broadcaster, writing: “It is amazing to think that you and I have known one another for more than 60 years. Indeed, I believe we first met in 1958, almost a decade before the age of colour television.”

“Over those decades, you have revealed a beauty and wonders of nature to audiences around the world in new and marvellous ways. In so doing, you have shared my determination to highlight the urgent need to protect and preserve this precious planet and all life on earth for future generations.”

The letter was then delivered across the country (technically from central London to Richmond) by dog, eagle, porcupine, swan, duck, fox, owl and deer among other animals in a twee twist. Royal Mail, you had one job!

Dan Smith from pop band Bastille (remember them?) takes to the stage for the first performance of the night with his orchestral rendition of “Pompeii” – arguably the most overplayed song of 2013.

The hit song featured on the soundtrack of Planet Earth III ten years after its release.

Sir David Attenborough receives a well earned standing ovation and takes a bow from his box in the Royal Albert Hall – with the centenarian seen sitting next to Prince William at the live event.

While the BBC had not previously confirmed whether the broadcaster would be attending his own birthday bash, it simply wouldn’t be a fitting celebration without the man himself!

If you can’t bring wild animals to the Royal Albert Hall, then you get the next best thing – which is apparently these somewhat unnerving puppet animals.

Kirsty Young kicked off the live broadcast from outside the venue alongside gorilla and ram life-size puppets, created by The Herds.

As impressive as they are, I’ll stick to the living versions.

Forget the Bafta red carpet – Sir David Attenborough’s birthday bash is the place to be this weekend, with the stars showing out in force at the Royal Albert Hall.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Gillian Anderson have been pictured heading into the event, while Strictly’s Tasha Ghouri and Radio 1 presenter Greg James are also attending.

Sir David’s nephew Michael Attenborough, presenter Ade Adepitan, Springwatch’s Chris Packham and broadcaster Muriel Gray have also appeared on the red carpet.

There’s not long to go until Sir David Attenborough’s live BBC birthday kicks off – with the big event due to start at 8:30pm on BBC One.

Those staying in to celebrate from their living rooms can expect appearances from Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham among other broadcasters.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Planet Earth producer Alastair Fothergill said that Sir David “hates celebrity”.

“David would love nothing to be happening around his 100th birthday. That would be his favourite choice,” he said. “He would like to be at home all day, nice glass of wine in the evening. However, he recognises that the British public want to say happy birthday to him and I think he’ll go home happy.”

I’m not too sure Sir David will get away with giving this party a miss!

Prince William was one of the first to publicly wish Sir David Attenborough a happy birthday, saying in a video posted to the Earthshot Prize X account: “Happy 100th David. I cannot believe it’s your 100th birthday. Thank you so much for all your support with Earthshot Prize.

“Everything you do continues to inspire me,” he added. “Have a very happy day.”