Prince William Hilariously Rejects Robert Irwin’s Unusual Tribute After Discovering a 12-Foot Crocodile Has Been Named After Him

Prince William was left laughing after Australian conservationist Robert Irwin revealed that he had named an enormous saltwater crocodile in the future king’s honor.

The unexpected revelation came during their joint appearance on The Graham Norton Show, where the 22-year-old wildlife expert enthusiastically described his latest encounter with one of Australia’s most formidable predators.

Although the gesture was intended as a tribute to William’s environmental work, the Prince of Wales had a rather different reaction.

Prince William Has a Priceless Response to His Crocodile Namesake

Irwin began by describing the spectacular reptile, which measured more than 12 feet long and put up an impressive fight when researchers captured it.

He recalled the crocodile performing death rolls, displaying its enormous teeth and fiercely resisting the team.

Then came the surprise.

“It is Prince William the crocodile!” Irwin announced.

William, 44, appeared amused but immediately suggested that the powerful animal deserved another celebrity namesake.

“It should have been named after The Rock… it shouldn’t be me!” he joked.

The lighthearted exchange highlighted the easy rapport between the prince and Irwin, who have worked together on wildlife conservation initiatives.

The Special Meaning Behind the Crocodile’s Name

Irwin had previously introduced the crocodile on social media in September, explaining that the name carried an important conservation message.

The reptile, measuring 12 feet 6 inches, was the 300th crocodile tagged through a research programme at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.

Irwin said he chose William’s name to recognize the prince’s commitment to protecting the natural world and to mark the halfway point of the Earthshot Prize initiative.

The crocodile was fitted with a small tracking device designed to collect valuable research data over the next decade.

Irwin explained that the team was using techniques pioneered by his late father, wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin.

The information gathered will help researchers better understand saltwater crocodiles and support efforts to protect their habitats.

For Irwin, naming the animal after William was a way to connect two generations of conservation work.

A Friendship Built Around Wildlife Conservation

William and Irwin have developed a friendship through their shared environmental interests.

Irwin serves as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, William’s initiative supporting innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Their connection extends beyond official conservation events.

After Irwin won the American edition of Dancing With the Stars alongside professional dancer Witney Carson, William and Princess Kate congratulated the pair through their official Instagram account.

The royal couple celebrated the victory with a cheerful message and a disco ball emoji.

William had also surprised Irwin with a personal video call ahead of the competition’s finale to wish him luck.

During that conversation, Irwin appeared visibly delighted to hear from the prince and asked about the recent Earthshot Prize ceremony in Rio.

While William may not consider himself the ideal namesake for a fearsome crocodile, the unusual tribute reflects the conservation partnership he has developed with Irwin.

And thanks to the ongoing research project, Prince William the crocodile could continue contributing to wildlife science for years to come.