Robert Irwin Left BRIGHT RED After Prince William Makes Cheeky ‘Python’ Remark About His Revealing Underwear Photoshoot
Prince William clearly has a mischievous side, and Robert Irwin found himself on the receiving end of it during an unexpectedly hilarious television appearance. What began as a discussion about wildlife conservation quickly turned awkward when Graham Norton brought out photos of Irwin’s revealing underwear campaign. Sitting just feet away from the future king, the 22-year-old conservationist could barely hide his embarrassment. But William’s unexpected reaction took the moment to another level.
The awkward encounter unfolded on Friday, October 23, when Prince William, Robert Irwin, Cate Blanchett and Hannah Waddingham joined Graham Norton on his famous red sofa for The Graham Norton Show.
Robert Irwin’s Underwear Photoshoot Leaves Him Squirming
Things took an uncomfortable turn for Irwin when Norton decided to revisit his 2025 Bonds underwear campaign, titled “Made for Down Under.”
The campaign featured the young conservationist modelling underwear for the Australian brand alongside some of the country’s most recognisable wildlife, including snakes and spiders. It was created to support Bonds’ expansion into the US market while bringing attention to Australia’s extraordinary natural environment.
But seeing those pictures displayed in front of Prince William was clearly not something Irwin had anticipated.
As the photographs appeared on screen, he admitted:
“I can’t believe I’m looking at these with Prince William.”
It was already an uncomfortable situation for the 22-year-old. Then William decided to join in.
Looking at one particularly revealing photograph, the Prince of Wales delivered a cheeky assessment:
“That’s a bit too much, that one…”
Irwin was left trying to defend the campaign, explaining that there had been a serious purpose behind the rather unusual combination of underwear modelling and wildlife photography.
“It was an underwear commercial, obviously, but I wanted to kind of create a conservation element to it.”
Unfortunately, the conservation message was becoming increasingly difficult to discuss with everyone focused on the photographs.
Cate Blanchett Joins The Teasing As William Delivers Another Cheeky Remark
Cate Blanchett was clearly enjoying the moment, adding her own contribution to the increasingly suggestive conversation.
“I’m taking my snake for a walk,” she joked.
But Prince William wasn’t finished.
The future king revealed that one particular detail from Irwin’s photoshoot was still on his mind, delivering perhaps the most memorable line of the entire appearance:
“I’m still thinking about your python.”
The remark left the already embarrassing situation even more entertaining, with William demonstrating a surprisingly playful side in front of the cameras.
For someone more commonly associated with royal engagements, official appearances and carefully measured public statements, the Prince of Wales seemed remarkably comfortable exchanging cheeky jokes with his fellow guests.
The exchange was a particularly unexpected glimpse of William’s sense of humour, and it certainly gave viewers something to talk about.
Prince William Reveals His Unexpected Pop Culture Interests
The python joke wasn’t the only surprise William brought to the programme.
During the appearance, the Prince of Wales also discussed his connection to Taylor Swift, admitted that he had once considered becoming a DJ and revealed that he enjoys watching The Celebrity Traitors.
It was a more relaxed side of the royal that audiences don’t always get to see during his official engagements.
His easygoing interaction with Irwin also highlighted how comfortable the two have become around one another.
The Unusual Friendship Behind William And Irwin’s Banter
Their connection goes back to 2021, when the pair first bonded over their shared interest in wildlife conservation during a video call.
Since then, their relationship has produced an unusual tribute that William probably never expected.
In September 2026, Irwin named the 300th crocodile tagged at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve after Prince William.
The animal, a 12-foot saltwater crocodile, was given the royal’s name, creating a rather memorable addition to their conservation connection.
It is certainly not every day that a future king discovers he has a crocodile named after him.
Their Shared Mission Extends To The Earthshot Prize
Beyond the television jokes and unusual crocodile tribute, William and Irwin share a serious commitment to protecting the natural world.
The Prince of Wales founded the Earthshot Prize in 2020, an initiative dedicated to recognising innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Its November 2026 ceremony in Mumbai, India, will recognise five environmental solutions, with each winner receiving £1 million.
For both men, wildlife protection and environmental conservation remain central to their public work.
And while their shared mission is undoubtedly serious, their latest television appearance showed that their friendship also has plenty of room for humour.
From an underwear photoshoot involving snakes and spiders to a 12-foot crocodile carrying a royal name, Robert Irwin and Prince William have developed a rather unconventional friendship.
One thing is certain: Irwin probably wasn’t expecting his conservation campaign to become the subject of a royal python joke on national television.
