Queen and Attenborough joke around on Palace garden tour

The Queen has given English broadcaster and TV legend Sir David Attenborough a personal tour of the gardens at Buckingham Palace, showing her delight at the grounds she’s called home for most of her life.

As part of his latest television venture, Attenborough will be swapping the usual exotic animals and sea creatures for a candid chat with the 91-year-old royal. Set to be broadcast in the UK next Monday, the pair will talk about the Palace gardens and an issue close to both their hearts – the environment.

ITV1, the network that will broadcast the chat, has given fans a glimpse of what to expect. It’s the first time the Queen unveils her plans for a global environmental project that will aim to protect forests and wildlife in Commonwealth countries. She’s also hoping to reverse the impact of climate change.

If the trailer is anything to go by, it’s going to be a delightful hour of viewing. As the pair walk around the luscious gardens of Buckingham Palace, the Queen can be seen showing off her favourite plants and pointing out special areas on the grounds. 

There’s also a scene where she points to a rather dismal-looking tree. “That one we won’t look at,” she instructs Attenborough, who bursts into laughter. “Somebody sat on it, I think.”

The documentary also features Prince Harry and Prince William. Harry can be seen planting trees in the Caribbean, while William makes an appearance in a Canadian rainforest.

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie makes an appearance, referring to the Queen as “a really lovely lady who cares about the future”.

A statement released by ITV said the royal’s new environmental initiative involves all Commonwealth nations. 

“The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) is creating a network of forest conservation initiatives across all 53 Commonwealth countries to mark Her Majesty’s lifetime’s service to the Commonwealth, while preserving natural habitat for future generations,” it read.

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The interview was recorded last year and it’s pretty clear that the Queen has high hopes for her project.

“It might change the climate again,” she tells Attenborough. He agrees, telling her it would be a “wonderful legacy”.

It’s not the only time the Queen and Attenborough have worked together. They joined forces again shortly after recording the ITV segment, and joked that neither of them will be around for too much longer.

Attenborough, who is also 91, has shown no signs of slowing down. In addition to filming The Queen’s Green Planet, he’s set to launch another nature show later this year.

Called Dynasty, the new five-part series will shine a spotlight on “ruling animals” including lions, tigers, emperor penguins, chimps and hunting dogs. The series will capture the animals at the most critical points in their life.

There is no word yet on when his chat with the Queen or his new series will air in Australia.

What do you think? Are you a fan of David Attenborough’s nature documentaries?