Attenborough at 100: Prince William congratulates Sir David on 'remarkable milestone'

"And for me personally, your friendship has been profound. You have strengthened my own determination to act."

Prince William added: "Tonight, we celebrate far more than a remarkable milestone of 100 years.

"We celebrate a lifetime of extraordinary service. A life that has brought the natural world closer to humanity, and humanity closer to its responsibility to the natural world."

Meanwhile, video messages from a host of A-listers wishing Sir David a happy birthday were also played during the concert.

Dame Judi said: "Sir David, happy birthday, and how lucky we are to get this opportunity to thank you, for all the things that you've told us and taught us."

Actor DiCaprio added: "Thank you truly for everything you've done and continue to do, for our very precious planet and all its inhabitants."

Paddington Bear, Glastonbury chief Emily Eavis, actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge, singer Camila Cabello and composer Hans Zimmer also paid tribute to Sir David in pre-recorded birthday tributes.

Actress Olivia Colman said: "Thank you so much for everything you have given all of us throughout the years, the world is a much better place with you in it."

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin said the band "send you so much love and respect", while pop singer Raye said: "Your voice is a gift to this earth, you are a national treasure."

The BBC Concert Orchestra provided live, orchestral music throughout the night, soundtracking some of the most memorable sequences from Sir David's career.

They included the snakes and iguanas chase from Planet Earth II, and the seals vs ocras sequence from Frozen Planet II.

Later, the orchestra was joined by singer Smith for a live rendition of his band Bastille's hit Pompeii.

Icelandic rock band Sigur Rós also performed Hoppípolla, their 2005 song which has soundtracked countless wildlife programmes, as well as many others films, trailers, and advertisements.

Most of the night's musical performances were accompanied by archival footage or other montages celebrating Sir David's career.

Guests including wildlife presenters Liz Bonnin, Steve Backshall and Chris Packham also reflected on Sir David's impact on public policy - particular the reduction in plastic straw and plastic bag use following the broadcast of Blue Planet II.

Sir Michael recounted the story of how Sir David commissioned Monty Python when he was the controller of BBC Two.

The pair became friends, and Sir Michael reflected that Sir David's success is partly down to the fact that he always "just looks as though he's happy to be there".

"He wants to meet these people and see these animals," Sir Michael said. "It's not something he's been asked to do; it's something that fulfils him."

Elsewhere, Young invited the audience to sing Happy Birthday to Sir David, who appeared touched and grateful as he waved to the crowd.

As the concert began to draw to a close, the BBC announced that Sir David will soon narrate another new natural history series, Blue Planet III.

The night at the Royal Albert Hall concluded with a highlight montage from Sir David's career, soundtracked by his own delivery of the poignant lyrics to What A Wonderful World.

Young told him: "Thank you David, not just for joining us here tonight, but for sharing your knowledge and love of the planet. You've given nature a voice, and what a voice it is."