Prince William gets an unusual new namesake as Robert Irwin honours his Earthshot conservation work
Prince William has received an unusual tribute from Australian conservationist Robert Irwin — with a 12-foot saltwater crocodile now carrying the name Prince William.
Irwin, the son of legendary wildlife campaigner Steve Irwin, revealed the gesture while marking a major milestone in an ambitious crocodile research programme at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve.
The crocodile named after the Prince of Wales is the 300th crocodile to be caught and fitted with a tracking tag as part of the scientific study.
A crocodile fit for a future king
Announcing the milestone on Instagram, Irwin described the reptile as a “big boy” and a “modern-day dinosaur.”
He explained that the team wanted to recognise William’s commitment to conservation and environmental causes through the unusual honour.
“I’m very proud to say that this big boy right here is the 300th crocodile that we have caught,” Irwin said.
“This is a really exciting milestone, and in gratitude and recognition for the incredible conservation work from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, we wanted to name this extremely special modern-day dinosaur, this amazing animal, after His Royal Highness.
“So meet Prince William.”
The newly named crocodile will now become part of the long-term research programme, with scientists expected to monitor it for the next decade.
What researchers will learn from ‘Prince William’
The tracking programme is designed to provide researchers with valuable information about saltwater crocodiles and their changing environment.
Over the coming years, the animal will be monitored to gather data on areas including its dietary habits, diving abilities and the effects of climate change on its body temperature.
Irwin described the wider project as a “groundbreaking study,” with the 300th tagged crocodile representing an important milestone for the research team.
The naming also highlights the growing connection between Irwin and William through the Prince’s environmental initiative, the Earthshot Prize.
Robert Irwin’s connection to the Earthshot Prize
Irwin serves as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, William’s flagship environmental competition.
Launched in 2020, the initiative has a 10-year mission to identify and support innovative solutions aimed at protecting the planet.
So far, the Earthshot Prize has received almost 7,000 nominations from around the world, supported 75 finalists and distributed £25 million in prize funding.
Earlier this year, William and Irwin appeared together at the Earthshot Prize Impact Assembly at Guildhall in London. The pair arrived aboard London’s 3,000th zero-emission electric bus.
Speaking at the event, William said he felt “more optimistic than ever” about the progress being made in environmental action.
The 2026 Earthshot Prize is scheduled to take place in Mumbai, India, in November.
The Wales children have their own Australia Zoo connection
Robert Irwin’s relationship with the Wales family extends beyond William.
Earlier this year, Irwin revealed that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had helped name a young eastern grey kangaroo that had arrived at Australia Zoo.
The joey was given the name Cwtch, a Welsh word meaning “cuddle.”
Irwin announced the decision by saying he was proud that his “friends, the Wales family” had helped name the new arrival.
The latest tribute to William therefore adds another unusual link between the Wales family and Australia Zoo — this time through one of the reserve’s largest and most closely monitored inhabitants.
And with a 12-foot crocodile now officially known as Prince William, the Prince of Wales has gained perhaps one of the most unexpected namesakes associated with his environmental work.