Sir David Attenborough has revealed the moment humanity 'moved into a new world' while discussing the future of the planet's oceans, during a conversation with Prince William. Their meeting marked World Ocean Day on Sunday (8 June) and also ties in with a new documentary from Sir David, which is described as a 'rally cry' for action.
Sitting down with the Prince of Wales, Sir David explained how the possibility of doing activities we now take for granted, such as scuba diving, impacted on our understanding of life in the sea. He also shared his personal memories; Sir David was a teenager when the original 'Aqua-Lung' was invented, a forerunner to modern diving equipment.
Remembering that time, Sir David said the invention - along with face masks - was 'the moment when suddenly you moved into a new world. You were flying alongside fish which was an extraordinary experience.' He added that, despite the surprise new addition to their underwater surroundings, the fish 'take no reaction to you really, because they've never seen anything like you before.' Sir David went on to praise underwater camera professionals who, he said, 'are, I think, happier underwater than they are on land.'
The full conversation reveals more about Sir David's 'lifetime of exploration, the urgent challenges facing our seas, and the hope that lies in restoring and protecting them for generations to come,' said Prince William on Instagram. The event promotes Sir David’s latest documentary Ocean with David Attenborough, which Prince William described as an 'important documentary, and a rallying cry for one of our planet’s most precious resources.'
The full video also reveals Sir David's playful side; at one point, he puts on an old fashioned underwater helmet. A surprised Prince William laughs and warns, 'You won't get it off, David!'. The video is available to watch below, and can also be streamed on YouTube:
The environment is high on the Prince of Wales' agenda, particularly since the launch of his Earthshot Prize award, which takes place annually. Sir David Attenborough has a long history with the royals, and has attended a number of events and collaborated on a range of projects with various members over the years.
In April 2019, The King (then Prince Charles), Prince William and Prince Harry all attended the global premiere of Our Planet which was screened at the Natural History Museum in London. Later that same year, the Prince and Princess of Wales (then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) were pictured during a cheerful conversation with Sir David at the naming ceremony of the polar research ship in his honour, the RSS Sir David Attenborough.
