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.”