Prince William has made his royal mark in the ballroom.
The Prince of Wales made a virtual appearance during the 20th anniversary episode of Dancing With the Stars on Nov. 11, surprising Robert Irwin and his dance partner Witney Carson with a few words of encouragement.
“Guys, you’ve got a seriously good chance of winning it,” William said during the group’s FaceTime call, which was shown in the dance duo’s pre-performance video package. “So, just the best of luck on the show.”
The heir apparent also teased the wildlife conservationist for not being able to join him Nov. 5 at the environment-focused Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
“We're missing you, Robert,” William continued. “Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.”
To Witney, he added, “You need to get him in as much glitter as you can.”
And while William’s virtual message was an exciting surprise for Robert, it wasn’t the only visitor he received this week. Indeed, his sister Bindi Irwin—who won the Mirrorball trophy in 2015 with dance partner Derek Hough—paid her brother a visit with her 5-year-old daughter Grace Warrior.
The 27-year-old later joined Robert on the dance floor, stepping in at the end of his and Witney’s foxtrot performance set to Leona Lewis’ “Footprints in the Sand,” which she had danced to during her own season.
At the end of this week’s performance, a surprise video clip of Robert and Bindi’s late dad Steve Irwin appeared on the ballroom floor, prompting Robert to break down in tears as Witney and his sister wrapped their arms around him.
“I feel so honored to be entangled in the Irwin story, just even a little bit. It means the world to me,” Derek said from the judge’s panel, which altogether awarded Robert and Witney a total of 40 points, the first perfect score of the season. “One thing I loved about your father was that he lived life with so much enthusiasm. And you, my friend, are this generation's beacon of joy and enthusiasm.”
He concluded to Robert, “You're not just walking the path that he set, my friend, you are dancing it and you're dancing it beautifully.”
While Robert and Witney are dancing into the final weeks of the competition, read on to see who else made a special appearance for the show's milestone episode.
Jonathan Roberts, Charlotte Jørgensen, Edyta Sliwinska, Ahly Costa & Louis Van Amstel
All six original pros from season one—inlcuding Alec Mazo—returned for the show's birthday. In fact, they opened the episode with moves that proved they've still got what it takes to dance to the top.
Apolo Anton Ohno & Rashad Jennings
The Olympic speed skater (season 4 winner and season 15 contestant) was Jordan Chiles' partner in the relay dance against Elaine Hendrix and her guest partner, NFL alum and season 24 winner Rashad.
Xochitl Gomez & Joey Graziadei
Season 32 winner Xochitl partnered with Robert Irwin against Alix Earle and her partner, season 33 winner Joey for the relay dance.
Rumer Willis & Kaitlyn Bristowe
Rumer (season 20 winner) partnered with Dylan Eforn in the relay dance against Andy Richter and Kaitlyn (season 29 winner).
Kenya Moore
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star returned to the ballroom after competing on season 30 with Brandon Armstrong.
Chandler Kinney
The Disney Channel star, also partnered with Brandon, returned after placing 3rd in season 33.
Daniel Durant, Ilona Maher & Marlee Matlin
The season 31, season 33 and season 6 alums struck a pose together on the event's red carpet.
Kelsey Anderson
The Bachelor alum was there in support of her fiancé Joey as he hit the stage with Alix.
Sabrina Bryan
The Cheetah Girls star returned to the ballroom 18 years after she competed on season 5, before going on to compete in the all-stars 15th season.
Kristi Yamaguchi
The former champion smiled wide upon her return to the ballroom after skating to the top during season 6.
Charity Lawson
The Bachelorette alum—and season 32 contestant—was a vision in gold on the red carpet.
Lindsay Arnold
The former pro—who last competed during season 30—returned to the ballroom.
Stephen Nedoroscik
The Olympian was all smiles during his return after flipping his way to fourth during season 33 with partner Rylee Arnold.
Bill Nye
The science guy returned to the ballroom 12 years after he became the dancing guy during season 17.
Jenn Tran
The Bachelorette alum, who placed 7th alongside partner Sasha Farber during season 33, struck a pose.
Chrishelle Strause
The Selling Sunset star returned after finishing in 8th during season 29 with partner Gleb Savchenko.
Ariana Madix
The Love Island USA host showed off her new darker hair while returning after placing 3rd with Pasha Pashkov in season 32.
Scott Hoying & Sasha Farber
The season 34 contestant, who was eliminated alongside Rylee, struck a pose with the former pro.
Amanda Kloots
The 4th place finisher from season 30 returned to cheer on her former pro partner Alan Bersten.