Beaming David Attenborough receives a standing ovation as he takes a seat beside Prince William at 100th birthday celebration with star-studded guests

Prince William applauded David Attenborough as he arrived at the Royal Albert Hall with star-studded guests to celebrate 100 Years on Planet Earth.

Celebrities gathered to celebrate the legendary broadcaster’s birthday at a special event hosted by the BBC in London.

Sir David was greeted by the Prince of Wales as he took his seat in the Royal box before the 90-minute live event began.

In addition to Gillian Anderson, stars such as Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife also joined the audience to celebrate the veteran broadcaster’s 100th birthday; Even King Charles and Queen Camilla secretly filmed the extraordinary tribute, which was broadcast at the special event in conjunction with the BBC.

Actress Gillian, 57, looked chic in a black dress for the special event as she posed for photos on the blue carpet.

She combined her A-cut number with chunky heels and tied her hair into a high ponytail.

Celebrities gathered to celebrate the legendary broadcaster’s birthday at a special event hosted by the BBC in London

Joining Gillian, Benedict looked dapper as ever in a dark gray suit, which he paired with a white shirt.

His wife, Sophie, looked stunning in a white textured dress and a pair of quirky, see-through heels.

Names such as Michael Palin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham also attended the event.

Sir David said he was ‘thoroughly touched by the birthday greetings’ as he ‘most sincerely’ thanked well-wishers on his centenary.

In a voicemail on Thursday, Sir David said: ‘I thought I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems many of you have other ideas.

‘I have been completely overwhelmed by the birthday greetings from pre-school groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages.

‘I can’t reply to each of you individually, but I would like to thank you all sincerely for your kind messages and wish those of you who are planning your own local events a very happy day.’

According to the BBC, Friday evening’s celebrations will be ‘the culmination of a week of special events and broadcast programs in honor of Sir David’.

Sir David was greeted by the Prince of Wales as he took his seat in the Royal box before the 90-minute live event began.

Friday evening’s celebrations will be ‘the culmination of a week of special events and broadcast programs in honor of Sir David’, according to the BBC

Actress Gillian Anderson, 57, looked chic in a black dress for the special event as she posed for photos on the blue carpet.

Joining Gillian, Benedict looked dapper as ever in a dark gray suit, which he paired with a white shirt.

Benedict’s wife Sophie looked stunning in a white textured dress and a pair of quirky sheer heels.

People like Michael Palin also attended the event

Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri stunned in black beaded dress with mesh panels

Steve Backshall smiled for photos in his dark green jacket

Greg James chose a navy blue velvet jacket

Elsewhere, Chris Packham added a Western touch to his ensemble with a bolo tie

Francisco Yglesia chose a vest and stylish trousers

Zoologist Megan McCubbin wore a navy blue dress

Sir David’s nephew Michael also joined the celebration

Ade Adepitan smiled as he posed for a photo with his wife Linda

The master broadcaster’s ‘groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling’ will be ‘honoured’ during the show, which starts at 7.30pm.

It features live music from wildlife stories and programs, as well as a century of exploration and discovery in the natural world seen through the prism of Sir David’s life.

Celebrity guests will take to the stage during the show, where the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Jérôme Kuhn, will perform original compositions.

Buckingham Palace was also keen to mark such a milestone in the life of Britain’s ultimate ‘national treasure’ and even royal pup Moley made a cameo appearance, courtesy of the Queen.

His short film ‘A Very Special Delivery’, shot by BBC Studios’ renowned Natural History Unit in April, came as a complete surprise for the legendary broadcaster and conservationist who has dedicated his life to revealing the wonders of the natural world.

It opens with the King’s piper walking the grounds of Balmoral Castle and then panning towards Her Majesty, who is writing his tribute to Sir David in the Library, while Her Majesty’s dog runs around his desk.

According to royal sources, the 18-month-old Battersea Dogs and Cats Home rescue pup, who was adopted by Camilla in March last year, was ‘so excited by the presence of the camera crew’ that she proved to be ‘a bit of a naughty’.

Her Majesty then describes wistfully her seventy-year friendship with the iconic naturalist, which began when Prince Charles, then nine, visited the set of the BBC children’s program Zoo Quest with his younger sister Princess Anne in 1958.

As she handwrites her message, she acknowledges the enormous impact Sir David’s work has had in revealing the wonders of the natural world in ever more inspiring ways, and reflects his deep commitment to protecting and saving the planet and all life on it for future generations.

The Royal Albert Hall website states: ‘To celebrate David Attenborough’s 100th birthday on 8 May, the BBC will bring together the country for a live event honoring his groundbreaking career at the forefront of natural history storytelling.

‘Held on his birthday at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the event will take audiences on a century-long journey of exploration and discovery in the natural world, seen through the prism of David’s extraordinary life.

‘This program will feature dramatic wildlife stories, spoken word reflections from well-known figures and leading advocates of the natural world, accompanied by live music from their programmes.

Accompanied by the ‘BBC Concert Orchestra’, the concert will feature original compositions from some of David’s most well-known landmark series.

‘As well as music, guests will include some of his collaborators from the worlds of conservation and wildlife filmmaking.’