Robert Irwin has partnered with Prince William and Princess Kate for a special project, after he quietly snubbed Meghan Markle during her visit to Australia.
The Duchess of Sussex had wanted to work with the Irwins during her trip Down Under, but Robert politely declined and has now launched a new venture with the Wales clan.
Robert took to Instagram on May 8 to reinforce his strong relationship with the Prince of Wales.
He introduced an eastern grey kangaroo joey named “Cwtch” and revealed that William and Kate’s children had actually picked the name!
“Cwtch, which is Welsh for cuddle,” he said in the joint Instagram post with the Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account.
“The absolute perfect name for a joey kangaroo, because at this age, they love a cuddle and spend most of their time inside that pouch with their mum.
“I want to say a particular thank you to Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte for your help in finding this little one a brilliant name.”
Fans were delighted about the collaboration, with one commenting that they “need the Wales kids together with the Kangaroos”.
He also thanked the family for their conservation efforts over the years.
“So sweet and the Wales children picked a great name!” another wrote. “The collab I never knew I needed 😍 welcome, Cwtch!” a third added.
It was a clear show of support after New Idea revealed that Robert had politely declined to work with Meghan during her trip to Australia.
Sources told us that the Duchess of Sussex was an admirer of the Irwin family and “wanted to sound them out” about working together, or involving her children in a future wildlife project.
However, the wildlife warrior politely declined while she visited Australia with Prince Harry.
“They meant no ill will towards the Sussexes, but at the end of the day, they are all staunch monarchists and fiercely loyal to The Firm,” our source explained.
It’s been more than 10 years since the Princess and Princess of Wales came to Australia, with a source previously telling New Idea that Robert is keen for them to return with their children.
“William’s promised to bring the kids to the Irwin zoo one day, and Robert takes every opportunity to remind him of that,” the source said.
The pair have a long-standing friendship, and Robert has been an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, which William founded.
After Anthony Albanese extended an invitation to William and Catherine to visit in 2025, there’s talk that the couple are considering another tour Down Under.
One source claimed that it was on the cards before Catherine’s diagnosis, but now that she’s in the clear, and even announced her first overseas outing, it could be sooner than we think.
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