DAVID ATTENBOROUGH SAID he has been “completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings” as he thanked well-wishers “most sincerely” ahead of his centenary on Friday.

The beloved naturalist said he had hoped to celebrate his 100th birthday “quietly”.

Instead, the milestone will be marked with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall in London featuring music from his programmes, as well as stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world.

In a recorded audio message shared the night before his birthday, he said: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas.

“I’ve been completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings from pre-school groups to care home residents and countless individuals and families of all ages.

“I simply can’t reply to each of you all separately, but I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your kind messages.

“I wish those of you who have planned your own local events tomorrow a very happy day.”

The Royal Albert Hall celebration, which will be broadcast on BBC One, is just one of many events to mark his birthday.

The Natural History Museum’s immersive exhibition presented by Attenborough will be transformed into a free five-minute show in central London to celebrate the landmark.

Our Story With David Attenborough will be adapted to be shown at Outernet London in Tottenham Court Road from Sir David’s birthday on 8 May, and will see the veteran BBC nature presenter take viewers through the history of people and the Earth, before presenting a vision of London’s future.

The broadcaster has been inundated with messages and well-wishes from environmental and animal charities and has also had a “wise” bull named after him by animal charity Peta to celebrate his birthday.

The bull, named Sir Attenbullock, was among the first rescued through Peta India’s Delhi mechanisation project.