Story perspectives

David Attenborough Turns 100; Royal Concert and New Wasp Named

5/8/2026

Summary

Attenborough Celebrates 100

Sir David Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday with a Royal Albert Hall concert aired on BBC One on 8 May 2026.
He recorded an audio message expressing overwhelm at greetings, while Kirsty Young hosted the 90-minute show with Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
The Natural History Museum named a parasitic wasp Attenboroughnculus tau after him for an exhibition running until August.

Summary

Attenborough Wasp Named

The museum named a wasp Attenboroughnculus tau after Attenborough, a specimen collected in 1984 in Chile’s Valdivia province and identified decades later when a curator opened an old drawer.
Museum officials said the naming honors Attenborough’s work, aims to inspire scientists, and joins a wildflower, butterfly, grasshopper, dinosaur and ghost shrimp already bearing his name.
Curators noted the discovery shows historical collections can reveal new species long after fieldwork.

1 of 2

Attenborough Celebrates 100

Sir David Attenborough celebrated his 100th birthday with a Royal Albert Hall concert aired on BBC One on 8 May 2026.
He recorded an audio message expressing overwhelm at greetings, while Kirsty Young hosted the 90-minute show with Sir Michael Palin, Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham and the BBC Concert Orchestra.
The Natural History Museum named a parasitic wasp Attenboroughnculus tau after him for an exhibition running until August.

1 / 2