Robert Irwin Teams Up With Prince William and Kate After Reportedly Turning Down Meghan Markle’s Australia Collaboration

Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin has unveiled a heartwarming new collaboration with Prince William and Princess Kate, just as reports emerge that he previously declined an opportunity to work with Meghan Markle.

The 22-year-old wildlife advocate shared an adorable video introducing a baby kangaroo at Australia Zoo, revealing that William and Kate’s three children had personally helped choose its name.

The announcement, shared in a joint Instagram post with the Prince and Princess of Wales on May 8, highlighted Irwin’s longstanding relationship with the royal family.

However, the collaboration has also attracted attention because of claims that Meghan had expressed interest in working with the Irwins during her visit to Australia.

Prince George, Charlotte and Louis Name an Adorable Kangaroo

In the Instagram video, Irwin introduced an eastern grey kangaroo joey named Cwtch.

The unusual name was selected with help from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

“Cwtch, which is Welsh for cuddle,” Irwin explained.

He described it as the perfect choice for a young kangaroo that enjoys staying close to its mother.

“The absolute perfect name for a joey kangaroo, because at this age, they love a cuddle and spend most of their time inside that pouch with their mum,” he said.

Irwin then thanked the three royal children personally.

“I want to say a particular thank you to Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte for your help in finding this little one a brilliant name.”

The sweet announcement quickly attracted positive reactions online.

“So sweet and the Wales children picked a great name!” one commenter wrote.

Another added: “The collab I never knew I needed. Welcome, Cwtch!”

The video also provided another example of the shared interest in wildlife conservation between Irwin and the Wales family.

Meghan Markle Reportedly Sought a Collaboration With the Irwins

The announcement followed a report from New Idea claiming that Meghan Markle had previously expressed interest in working with the Irwin family.

According to unnamed sources cited by the publication, Meghan admired the family’s conservation work and wanted to explore a possible partnership during her visit to Australia with Prince Harry.

The proposed collaboration reportedly included the possibility of involving her children in a future wildlife project.

However, the magazine claimed that Robert politely declined the opportunity.

A source told New Idea that the decision was not intended as a personal slight against Harry or Meghan.

“They meant no ill will towards the Sussexes, but at the end of the day, they are all staunch monarchists and fiercely loyal to The Firm,” the source alleged.

The claims have not been independently confirmed, and Irwin has not publicly stated that he rejected Meghan’s proposed collaboration.

Nevertheless, the timing of his latest project with William and Kate has renewed interest in his relationship with the Royal Family.

Robert Irwin’s Longstanding Friendship With Prince William

Irwin’s connection with the Prince of Wales is well established through their shared commitment to environmental protection.

The Australian conservationist has served as an ambassador for the Earthshot Prize, William’s environmental initiative supporting innovative solutions to global challenges.

Their work together has helped build a relationship extending beyond individual public appearances.

Irwin also thanked William and Kate’s family for their continued support of conservation efforts in his latest Instagram post.

According to previous reporting by New Idea, he is particularly eager for the couple to return to Australia with their children.

One source claimed that William had previously promised to bring George, Charlotte and Louis to Australia Zoo.

“William’s promised to bring the kids to the Irwin zoo one day, and Robert takes every opportunity to remind him of that,” the source said.

Although no such family visit has been officially announced, the possibility has attracted interest because of the children’s involvement in naming the kangaroo.

Could William and Kate Be Planning an Australia Visit?

The collaboration has also renewed speculation about a potential royal visit to Australia.

William and Kate last visited the country together more than a decade ago.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended an invitation for the couple to return in 2025, according to the report.

Sources cited by New Idea have suggested that another visit had previously been considered before Kate’s health concerns affected her schedule.

With the Princess of Wales gradually resuming overseas engagements, speculation has grown that Australia could feature in the couple’s future travel plans.

However, Kensington Palace has not confirmed a new Australian tour, and there is no official indication that a visit to Australia Zoo has been scheduled.

A Royal Collaboration With a Conservation Message

Beyond the comparisons involving Meghan, the kangaroo-naming project highlights a shared interest in wildlife protection.

For Irwin, introducing Cwtch provided an opportunity to celebrate Australia’s native animals while acknowledging the Wales children’s involvement.

For William and Kate, the collaboration offered a family-friendly way to support conservation awareness.

The joint Instagram announcement also demonstrated how the relationship between Irwin and the Wales family continues to develop through their environmental interests.

While reports of a declined collaboration with Meghan Markle have generated headlines, those claims remain unverified. What is confirmed is that Robert Irwin has welcomed a new kangaroo named by George, Charlotte and Louis, creating another memorable connection between Australia Zoo and the Prince and Princess of Wales.