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Sir David Attenborough receives second knighthood

Sir David AttenboroughImage source, PA Media
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Sir David Attenborough's life as writer, presenter and narrator has spanned eight decades

Sir David Attenborough has been given a second a knighthood for his services to both television and conservation

He was first knighted by the Queen in 1985, but has now picked up an even higher honour - being appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael And St George.

The award is for his work on highlighting the natural world in TV shows and his campaigning to protect it.

Sir David got his new title on Wednesday 9 June, at a special ceremony carried out by Prince Charles.

Image source, PA Media
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Sir David was awarded the honour by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle on Wednesday

The news was first announced as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

The Prince of Wales carried out the ceremony at Windsor Castle on behalf of the Queen, who is the same age as 96-year-old Sir David.

Royal connections

The famous naturalist was featured during the Platinum Party at the Palace outside Buckingham Palace over the Jubilee weekend, giving a speech with his face projected onto the side of Buckingham Palace.

Sir David also has connections to other members of the Royal family after becoming a judge on the Duke of Cambridge's environmental competition the Earthshot Prize.

Prince William William has said of the conservation hero: "Every generation, you know, after yours, David, has grown up listening and seeing all the things that you've shown them. And, hopefully, each generation listens a little bit more."

Image source, Kensington Palace
Who were the first ever winners of the Earthshot prize?

He has also met and answered some of the royal children's questions - with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis quizzing him on what animal he thought might become extinct next, his feelings on spiders and his favourite animal.

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Sir David Attenborough answers royal children's questions

This also isn't the only special prize Sir David could receive this year - he's also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, facing competition from Pope Francis and the World Health Organisation.

Earlier this year he was also named a Champion of the Earth by the UN's Environment Programme, with the prestigious award recognising his commitment to telling stories about the natural world and climate change.