Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Yesterday, Prince William and Robert Irwin had a very green meet-cute in South Africa as the royal celebrates the Earthshot Prize in the African nation. While the two went on a quick hike and took in the sights and sounds of Cape Town’s Signal Hill, Marie Claire reports that the conservationist (and son of beloved Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin) asked some hard-hitting questions. Jokes aside, the two had a cute moment together when Robert asked the future king if he had a favorite African animal—and in the process, gave royal fans a peek at a sweet parenting moment from the prince.

“I have to ask—we’re in South Africa, one of the most amazing countries and continents for wildlife—do you have a favorite African animal?” Robert asked.

“It’s a really tough question. My children ask me this regularly,” William shared. “I think I’m going to have to say the cheetah.”

Irwin commended the prince on his choice, calling the cheetah “very cool” and adding that he believes that the chameleon is an “unsung hero” of the animal world.

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Robert, who is a wildlife photographer, conservationist, TV personality in Australia, and an Earthshot Prize ambassador, spoke about the impact of William’s initiative.

“For the first time we have an environmental movement on a scale we’ve never seen before,” Irwin said, according to the BBC. “It’s really putting money where it’s needed most, putting support and awareness where it’s needed most but it’s also leading with a sense of positivity—it’s this beacon, this light we can all strive towards.”

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William will celebrate at the 2024 Earthshot Prize ceremony today. Tomorrow marks the prince’s last day in South Africa and he has several events on the schedule, including sustainability-focused appearances, before he heads back home.