Robert Irwin defends Prince William after backlash from animal rights group

Robert Irwin is standing by Prince William following backlash from PETA.

The Australian conservationist and Ambassador of William’s Earthshot Prize spoke warmly about the Prince of Wales as the duo teamed up for London Climate Action Week.

“I talk to him about animals, and like, he is on it. He knows exactly what's going on,” the 21-year-old told People magazine. “In most conversations I have with His Royal Highness, I learn something. I really do.”

His praise comes just days after William and Kate faced criticism from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for breeding their Cocker Spaniel, Orla.

The animal rights organisation called the move “staggeringly out of touch,” citing the global dog homelessness crisis.

But sources told the Daily Mail that the couple’s decision to breed Orla was made to comfort their three young children — Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 — during Princess Kate’s ongoing cancer treatment.

Irwin, the son of late wildlife icon Steve Irwin, went on to emphasise the future king’s genuine passion for conservation.

“It’s this genuine sense of passion. I love that passion. Like that’s what I seek. I seek out people that feel like kindred spirits," he noted.